Media Statement from North West Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

11 September 2014

Brits: The fight against proliferation of firearms gained momentum when Police apprehended three suspects on Thursday, 11 September 2014 at about 06:00 at Sewage Farm, Brits.

The arrest came after a suspicious Toyota Condor with Gauteng Province registration number plates was spotted on R511 Road to the direction of Thabazimbi by police deployed for Rural Safety Operation. It is alleged that members tried to stop the car but the driver failed to heed to the call and a chase ensued. According to the information, the police ultimately managed to stop the vehicle next to Sewage Farm.

The car as well as three occupants including the driver was allegedly searched and the Police found unlicensed firearms and ammunitions in the vehicle; one R5 rifle with 38 live rounds of ammunition and one 9mm pistol with 13 live rounds of ammunition. A further search led to discovery of balaclavas which the police confiscated. The suspects, aged between 32 and 39 are allegedly from Atteridgeville in Pretoria. They are due to appear in Brits Magistrates' Court on Friday, 12 September 2014 on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Investigation into the matter continues and at this stage, it is apparent that one of the suspects is the former member the military force.

"This will serve as an example that police will not hesitate to deal with anyone who transgresses the law, and we want to commend our members for their vigilance and commitment in ensuring that suspects are arrested and illegal firearms are recovered, said Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo".

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