The station commander for Ivory Park Police Station, Brigadier David Ngcobo has welcomed the 15-year sentence for a man arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Innocent Tshabalala (34) was arrested in 2012 and was released on bail. However, he violated his bail condition and failed to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court for his following appearance. Since then, he was wanted by the police until he was found and rearrested in August last year by the Ivory Park police.
He has been in police custody until he was sentenced in March by the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court.
“He was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison, three of which will run concurrently with the 15 years,” said spokesperson for the Ivory Park Police Station, Captain Bernard Matimulane.
Ngcobo has expressed his satisfaction regarding the sentence, and further applauded Sergeant Sandile Majuda, the lead tracing and arresting officer, for his tireless efforts in apprehending Tshabalala. He warned any potential criminal to take heed of the sentence.
“It is important that people out there are made aware that we, as the police, take illegal possession of firearms very seriously, and we are prepared to go all-out in ensuring that perpetrators thereof, are made to account for such deeds,” said Ngcobo.
He also asked the public to report any suspicion of possession of firearms or to report any other crim to the police.
Details: Ivory Park Police Station 011 990 9618.
Filler: How do you think people access illegal firearms? Tweet @MidramdReporter
