Landlords in Ivory Park are urged to do background checks on their tenants after a ‘trigger-happy’ man was arrested with an alleged illegal firearm and ammunition on 30 March.
“As landlords, we must check… the background of any potential tenants, demand to know their details and what they do for a living. It should not be about business alone,” said the acting station commander for the Ivory Park Police Station Colonel Baba Mpotoane.
The 29-year-old suspect was renting a room in Ivory Park Ext 2 but his landlord did not have any knowledge of his background or work history.
Read Crime tips from the police
According to the police, the suspect was arrested following a tip-off by community members who alleged that the suspect has a tendency to fire his gun randomly. Sector manager for the area, Sergeant Lydia ‘Ace’ Tlhotse allegedly found a firearm and six live rounds of ammunition in the suspect’s possession.
“He is said to be trigger-happy,” added spokesperson for the Ivory Park Police Station captain Bernard Matimulane.
Tlhotse recovered two firearms and 161 live rounds of ammunition following tip-offs from residents.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Edited by Ingrid Pepler
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