Foreign nationals remanded over illegal firearm

By: The Guard Newspaper
May 20, 2026
4:12 am

By Teboho Moloi

QWAQWA – Two Ethiopian nationals accused of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition have been remanded in custody for 30 days pending a formal bail application in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court.

Ephrem Worku Ashebo (22) and Biruk Tairet Arficho (27) briefly appeared in court on Monday following their arrest during a police stop-and-search operation at Makong village on Friday.

Police allege the pair were travelling in a bakkie that raised suspicion among officers, prompting a search of the vehicle.

During the search, police allegedly recovered a 9mm pistol loaded with live ammunition. The suspects were unable to produce a valid firearm licence and were immediately arrested.

The matter was postponed to 18 June 2026 for a formal bail application, with both accused remaining behind bars.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Bloemfontein

14/06

Sun

19°C

broken clouds

Mon

17°C

14°C

Tue

18°C

14°C

Wed

17°C

Thu

17°C

Fri

17°C

Sat

14°C

12°C

Sun

10°C

12°C

Dihlabeng Local Municipality EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT

The Municipality hereby invites applications from experienced, committed and energetic individuals with...

Executive mayor of Maluti A phofung Tumelo Thebe tabling the budget

MAP adopts new budget amid sharp council devisions

By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA – The Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Local Municipality has adopted its 2026/27 budget...

EFF rejects Maluti-a-Phofung budget as ‘cosmetic’ despite council approval

By Emily Setona QWAQWA – Deep divisions within the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality council were laid...

11 June 2026

2 days ago

Mother says school failed to inform her after deaf learner allegedly assaulted

By Emily Setona QWAQWA – The mother of an 18-year-old learner allegedly assaulted by a staff member at...

11 June 2026

2 days ago

Murder case provisionally withdrawn, family still seeking answers

By Emily Setona QWAQWA – The family of Mojalefa Mofokeng says it feels abandoned by the criminal justice...

08 June 2026

5 days ago

Cop kills 3 family members, then takes own life

By Teboho Moloi HENNENMAN – A devastating shooting spree involving an on-duty police officer has left...

05 June 2026

1 week ago

Accidental' shooter granted bail after girl’s death

By Teboho Moloi FICKSBURG – A man accused of fatally shooting a 12-year old girl during a hunting trip...

05 June 2026

1 week ago

Rape suspect assaulted by angry community after alleged attack on disabled teen

By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA – A 27-year-old man accused of raping a mentally challenged 19-year-old from Makgalaleng...

02 June 2026

1 week ago

Family devastated as couple accused of murder granted bail

By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA – The family of murdered 34-year-old Basboy Mofokeng of Qoqolosing, Thaba Bosiu,...

26 May 2026

2 weeks ago

MAP seniors’ cellphones hacked

By Teboho Moloi QWAQWA – The troubled and fiercely contested Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality has...

26 May 2026

2 weeks ago

Social media rapist on the run

By Teboho Moloi BLOEMFONTEIN – Free State police have intensified the hunt for alleged serial rapist...

16 May 2026

4 weeks ago

Teacher arrested over alleged corporal punishment

By Teboho Moloi HARRISMITH – The Free State Department of Education has launched an internal investigation...

09 May 2026

1 month ago

Police bust R7.8m illicit cigarette haul

By Teboho Moloi BETHLEHEM – Two foreign nationals, aged 27 and 28, have been arrested after police uncovered...

Foreign nationals remanded over illegal firearm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

GET NEWS UPDATES ON YOUR EMAIL / WHATSAPP

© Copyright The Guard 2026