Two accused persons; Tshotleko Ranko (24) and Thabo Mothai (22) were remanded in custody upon appearance before the Orkney Magistrates' Court on Monday, 8 January 2024, for unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The accused appeared in court following their arrest by members of Stilfontein Public Order Police (POP) on Saturday, 6 January 2024, in Kanana Location near Orkney. The members were on patrol when they spotted two men sitting in a car. The pair got out of the car immediately when the police advanced and one of them put a firearm on the roof of the car, but was arrested whist trying to run away. Although the other ran away, his freedom was short-lived following his arrest. The police searched him and found a firearm and ammunition in his possession. Thus, both men were placed under arrest.
The accused who are both Lesotho nationals, will appear before the same court on Thursday, 18 January 2024, for bail application.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the members for their attentiveness, which led to the confiscation of the firearms that are used to commit serious and violent crimes.