By BAKANG MOKOTO
A man (32) was arrested for possession of illegal firearm in Reutlwile Zone 2, near Rustenburg. This comes after the Tlhabane Visible Policing and Designated Police Officer (DPO) working together with Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, conducted a search at an identified address at Reutlwile Informal settlement.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said although that did not yield positive results, the operation continued with searches at two other addresses at Reutlwile Zone 2 and 3 respectively. Mokgwabone said in Zone 2, the police arrested a suspect after a silver 9mm pistol and four ammunition were found in his rented room.
“In Zone 3, a search conducted led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol, two magazines and 36 ammunition, but the owner produced a license. As part of enforcing the Liquor Act, 1989, the police seized an assortment of liquor and imposed R1500 fine to the owner of the firearm and the place for illegal dealing in liquor.
“In Mooinooi, near Brits, a crime intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect (43) on 12 July 2024, after the Brits Trio Task team operationalised intelligence. According to information, the team went to an identified address in Soshanguve Section in Majakaneg village, where they found the alleged suspect who informed the police that he sold the firearm,” he said.
He further said that prompted the members to proceed to a mine hostel, where a man (43) was arrested after being found in possession of a firearm and two ammunition without a license. Mokgwabone added that both firearms will be subjected to ballistic tests.
“The suspects are expected to appear in the Bafokeng and Brits Magistrate’s Courts respectively on 15 July 2024, for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the teams for their hard work and patience, which culminated in the removal of the firearms from the wrong hands.
The Guardian 