Man arrested for possession of AK-47 rifles at the Lebombo Border
The suspect indicated to the police that he did not have a licence for the firearms and ammunition.
Two assault AK-47 rifles were confiscated by the police at the Lebombo Border Post, just a day before Good Friday. A provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, said a suspect, a Mozambican national, was arrested in connection with the discovery of the rifles and ammunition.
ALSO READ: Results of DNA tests eagerly awaited to confirm identity of baby abandoned in Bushbuckridge
“The arrest took place immediately when the man’s vehicle was searched at the post on April 14 at about 22:00. The 32-year-old suspect was driving a Toyota Hilux coming into Mpumalanga from Mozambique. The police searched the bakkie and two AK-47 rifles and two magazines with ammunition were found,” said Mohlala.
ALSO READ: Heavily armed men rob Barberton family
“He was immediately arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possibly smuggling of the same, and is due to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court soon.” The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, has since sent a warning to anyone considering taking chances and smuggling illegal items into the country. “South Africa is a country with laws. We cannot allow people to smuggle illegal goods in and out of the country unabated. We thank the members of the police for their vigilance,” she said.
