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7 suspects, two of whom are linked to a Mozambican national crime, arrested for illegal firearms

7 suspects, two of whom are linked to a Mozambican national crime, arrested for illegal firearms

The South African Police Service (Saps) has made several arrests related to illegal firearms offences, including two suspects involved in a murder case in Limpopo.

The arrests of the two men were made on Christmas Eve after police received a tip-off about suspects allegedly involved in a fatal home robbery that took place in Mogorwane village in Sekhukhune district.

Illegal firearms seized after deadly home robbery

The robbery, which took place on December 4, resulted in the killing of a 32-year-old Mozambican national, Samson Sithole.

“Two firearms believed to have been used during the commission of the crime have been seized,” Limpopo police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said in a statement. statement Thursday.

READ ALSO: Two men charged with murder of accomplice after policeman killed in Mabopane armed robbery

In a separate incident in Vhembe district, police recovered a firearm during an operation and later arrested a suspect.

“A thorough investigation will be conducted to establish whether these firearms were used in the commission of the crimes,” Ledwaba added.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Sekhukhune and Vhembe Magistrates Courts soon.

Two arrested for illegal firearms in Western Cape

In the Western Cape, two men were detained on Monday for possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition in unrelated incidents.

In the first case, police carried out stop and search operations near Sheffield Road in Cape Town at around 10.45pm.

Officers responded to a complaint that the occupants of a VW Polo with a personalized number plate were extorting shop owners.

“They spotted the vehicle near Lower Cross Roads and gave chase. During the high-speed car chase, the driver of the VW Polo suddenly stopped and the passenger disembarked and fled into the informal settlement, with police in pursuit on foot.

“They apprehended the man, searched him and in the process confiscated a pink semi-automatic handgun.

“They arrested the 27-year-old man for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition,” Western Cape police spokesman Joseph Swartbooi said.

READ MORE: Only 3% of stolen firearms are returned to their owners by the police

In another incident, officers posted to Gugulethu acted on information about a person in possession of a firearm.

“Members drove to the Barcelona informal settlement where they found a man matching the description. They searched him and confiscated a 9 mm pistol with ammunition.

“They arrested the 29-year-old man for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition”, statement read on.

The suspects are expected to make their first court appearances at Athlone Crown Court.

More weapons seized in Muizenberg and Gansbaai

Police in the Western Cape reported further successes in seizing unlicensed firearms and ammunition, leading to additional arrests.

On Monday, December 23, Muizenberg Police executed a search warrant at a residence in Rose Street, Hillview, at approximately 9:00 p.m.

“The search of the entire premises and its occupants proved successful, with officers recovering 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

“A person of interest present during the search was unable to provide a valid ammunition licence, resulting in his apprehension for possession of ammunition without a licence,” explained Swartbooi.

Gansbaai police arrested a man during a patrol on Kano Street on Tuesday.

“Members saw a man matching the description, searched him and recovered a handgun with ammunition. They arrested the adult male for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”

The suspects are expected to appear at Hermanus and Wynberg Magistrates’ Courts.

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