Bigger problems for abusive boyfriend

The Khutsong police have confiscated an illegal firearm following a domestic violence incident last week.
The communication officer, Captain Eddie Boboko, says a female resident of the Elijah Barayi mega housing complex told the police she had been assaulted during a domestic violence incident on 19 May. She also said her boyfriend has shot at her. He removed the empty casing of the bullet after he had fired at her.
Carletonville SAPS members were summoned to Khutsong police station and the victim pressed charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.
The police immediately responded to the complaint, searched for the suspect and tracked him to a house in Tswana Section. When they asked him for the firearm he had threatened his girlfriend with, he produced a toy pellet gun.
However, the police continued their search when the woman assured them that this was not the firearm he had used in the incident. They received information and searched the boyfriend’s house, where they discovered a black Browning short pistol with live ammunition.
When the 37-year-old suspect could not produce a licence for the firearm, SAPS sector members, Sgt Rachel Shomolokae, Constable Sfiso Buthelezi, Const. Toffe Xengxe, with backup from Const. Titus Lesabe and Const. Judy Khiba arrested him in Tswana Section at about 11:30 on 20 May.
“The suspect appeared in Khutsong Magistrate’s Court on 21 May 2021 and will appear in Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court soon,” says Boboko.
“Firearms are often used in domestic violence or gender-based violence cases where women are killed. Gender-based violence is one of the government’s priorities be- cause they must protect women and children against those who disregard the law,” says Boboko.
The station commander, Colonel Melinda Prinsloo, welcomed the arrest.
“I applaud the members for their swift reaction to the complaint. We will make sure that those who are on the wrong side of the law are brought to book and face the full might of the law. We will continue with our mandate to investigate, protect and make sure that the victims of gender-based violence or domestic violence are safe and feel safe. We urge the community to report any form of gender-based violence and continue sharing information with the police on the Crime Stop hotline (08600 10111), my SAPS app or with the Khutsong SAPS (018 783 9022/23/24). You may report crime anonymously,” she says.