The police arrested a man in Standerton on Wednesday for being in possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition.

Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), assisted by the Standerton K9 Unit and a private security company, Shabangu Tactical Unit, acted on information received from a reliable source regarding a suspicious person allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, Mpumalanga spokesman of the Hawks, said the information was immediately followed up, and the suspect was spotted in Princess Street, Standerton.

“Members intercepted the suspect and conducted a search, during which a .38 Special revolver and five live rounds of ammunition were allegedly found in his possession.

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“The suspect was subsequently arrested and is facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” said Nkosi.

The 35-year-old man from Sakhile is expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court soon.

Nkosi said the DPCI commends the members involved for their swift response and continued efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities.

“The investigation is ongoing, and the Hawks can not rule out the possibility of adding more charges as the investigation progresses,” concluded Nkosi.

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