A man (35) working as a bartender in a local pub in Shatale in Bushbuckridge was arrested on Wednesday August 23 after he was allegedly found in possession of three firearms and a plastic bag filled with dagga.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the arrest was made following an operation by the Ehlanzeni District Crime Intelligence Task Team at about 21:00. The team and the Lydenburg K9 unit followed up on information regarding a bartender who was allegedly always in possession of firearms for hire to criminals.
The criminals are said to allegedly be involved in a number of fuel stations and business robberies, as well as drop-in safe bombings.
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“There are also allegations that the suspect sometimes takes part in these criminal activities,” said Mohlala.
“Out of the three firearms, one firearm belonged to the late owner of the bar, which had been reported stolen in Bushbuckridge a while ago. The other firearm does not show any records of ownership. There is a great possibility that it might have been smuggled into the Republic, The third firearm’s serial number has been filed off,” he said.
Mohlala added that the man was also found with a plastic bag filled with dagga.
He is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on August 24. The outcome of this appearance was not known at the time of publishing.
