By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (36) sentenced to five years imprisonment on 5 March 2024, by the Prieska Regional Court, for illegally possession of a firearm. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said, on 20 March 2023, the Prieska Crime Prevention Unit received a tip-off regarding the illegal dealing in drugs.

Sam said the identified house was searched and a 9mm firearm and ammunition was found in the possession of Songezo Nkompela. He said Nkopela was arrested and charged for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“His bail was succesfully being denied. The court enforced a five year direct prison sentence and 2 years was suspended for 5 years on condition that, the accused does not commit a similar offence. He was also declared unfit to posses a firearm,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, welcomed the sentence. Otola, indicated that, a firearm holder must be in possession of a valid firearm license for every firearm that he/she posses.

“Failure to produce a license is an offence and communities are urged to report illegal firearms to 08600 10111. I would like to commend the vigilant Prieska Crime Prevention team for their excellent conduct in ensuring the removal of the illegal firearm.

“We would also like to applaud the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Byron Gallant, for the meticulous investigation of the case,” she said.

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