Case of suspects arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition postponed

Ten suspects, aged between 18 and 50, appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition on Tuesday, 20 May.

According to Police Spokesperson, Col Amanda Funani, the case has been postponed till 7 June. “They are still in custody for bail application and the case is being investigated further,” she confirmed. 

The suspects were arrested in Potchefstroom on Saturday, 27 May 2023, when they were allegedly on their way to commit a business robbery in Ikageng.

According to information, the suspects have been targeted by the Criminal Investigation Department since late last year after information was received about a plot to rob a business. Then on Saturday, May 27, 2023, further information was received that the suspects were on their way to rob a certain wholesale and bottle store in Ikageng. Through an intelligence-led operation, the suspects were intercepted driving in a white GWM bakkie with Gauteng license plates. During the arrest, unlicensed firearms and ammunition were found in their vehicle.

Six Malawians and four South Africans are among the suspects. Their vehicle was confiscated for further investigation.