Picture: Two rifles allegedly found in possession of one of the suspects/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and business burglary on 5 January 2024. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said on Friday morning, the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team and BIU security officers, received a tip-off regarding a suspect, who had firearms in Extension 3, Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom.
Mokgwabone said the police went to the identified place for a search. He further said upon being asked if there was something he needed to declare before the search, the suspect informed the police that there were guns underneath the bed.
“As a result, the bed was lifted and three rifles fell to the ground. The suspect was then arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and 72 different ammunition. The operation also led to the apprehension of the suspect’s friend in connection with a burglary business that was allegedly committed at a bar in Ikageng Township.
“Further investigation linked the firearms with a break-in committed last month in Potchefstroom. The suspects are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 8 January 2024 for unlawful possession of firearm and burglary business respectively,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that, in Swartruggens, the police also received a tip-off on 3 January 2024, regarding a man who was in possession of a firearm. He said Kgotlaetsile Selebogo (22) was eventually questioned and took the police to his friend in Extension 4, Borolelo Township.
“Selebogo’s friend took the police to a neighbour’s place, where a 9mm pistol with the magazine was found under the tree. He was arrested and successfully linked with a burglary committed in Swartruggens on 23 December 2023.
“Selebogo briefly appeared before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on 5 January 2024 for unlawful possession of a firearm and burglary residential. Selebogo was remanded in custody and his case was postponed to 10 January 2024,” said Mokgwabone.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all members involved, including security officers for swift and collaborative efforts to remove the firearms from the wrong hands.
The Guardian 