Wanted man Mondli Msomi (39), who evaded trial was tracked down and finally sentenced in the Scottburgh Regional Court.

In March 2019, police received information about Msomi, who was transporting an illegal firearm from Port Shepstone to Durban.

Police spokesman Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said a disruptive operation was swiftly conducted and he was intercepted on the N2 highway near Hibberdene.

The vehicle was searched and an AK-47 rifle with four rounds of ammunition was found.

Msomi was placed under arrest and charged accordingly.

He was granted bail.

During the finalisation of his trial in September last year, Msomi decided to evade trial after he was found guilty.

A warrant of arrest was issued and his photo (with info) was circulated, describing him as a wanted suspect.

Earlier this month, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, based in Port Shepstone, received information that Msomi was awaiting trial on a separate matter at New Prison Correctional Services in Pietermaritzburg.

He was requisitioned and a warrant of arrest was executed.

Msomi was brought back to Scottburgh Regional Court where he was sentenced on November 28, 2022.

He was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm and two years’ imprisonment for possession of unlicensed ammunition.

His sentence will run concurrently.

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