On June 2018 at 12.30 pm information was received by Const Takalani Nemutavhani concerning a group of unknown suspects in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
It was also said the suspects were digging up gold dust at one of the mine dumps in Crown Mines.
Nemutavhani organised a mini-operation and with the help of the SAPS chopper, the team went into the mine. When they approached the area, the suspects opened fire at the members.
The team arrested three of the suspects.
The members searched the area and found the following firearms. One Norinco firearm containing seven live rounds of ammunition, one Z88 pistol containing seven live rounds of ammunition, one shotgun, and on Ruger mini 14. Thirty shotgun rounds were recovered.
There were also 19 rounds of .45 live ammunition and 50 rounds of R5 live ammunition. The suspects were charged on three charges: possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and illegal immigrants.
The docket was given to Sgt Mulalo Ramashia to investigate.
In October, accused two was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and one-year imprisonment, which is wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted for possession of ammunition committed during the period of suspension. He was also found unfit to possess a firearm.
Accused three was found unfit to possess a firearm. Accused one died during the trial.
The management of Booysens SAPS thanked WO Fanie van Staden for his dedication in investigating cases and obtaining these successful convictions.
