Suspect up for possession of unlicensed firearm

By Staff Reporter

QWAQWA – A 26-year old man of Thabo Bosiu charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition appeared briefly before the Phuthaditjhaba magistrate court on Tuesday, where his case was postponed to Tuesday  August 02 , 2022  for formal bail application.

According to the police spokesperson in Thabo Mofutsanyana region, Warrant officer Mmako Mophiring, the suspect was arrested by the Tactical Response Team members three minutes after a report from a concerned community member at around 14:30 on July 24, 2022.

“The suspected desperately needed the buyer of the illegal firearm. With the history of illegal firearms in circulation within the community he blew the whistle. The team swiftly approached him and searched the suspect who was walking on the street. They found in his possession a Norinco 9mm pistol, one magazine and three rounds of ammunitions. The firearm will also be circulated to establish ownership and how it got into the hands of the suspect,” Mophiring said.

The Free State Commissioner of Police, Lt-Gen Baile Motswenyane applauded community members for realisation of a national project, who have become eyes and ears of police in order to curb crime.

“It is very important that we remove illicit firearms from the wrong hands as they become detrimental to our community. I also want to thank our police for taking proactive steps to serve our community,”Matswenyane said.