Traffic police chase after suspect with unlicensed gun
'When the firearm was found, the driver made a dash' – Police.
Last week Saturday members of the Randfontein Traffic Police chased down and arrested a suspect, 29, on the R41 in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police, “It is alleged that while stopping a vehicle the driver was fidgeting with something underneath the driver’s seat. When the traffic officer enquired about the person’s apparent discomfort, the man indicated that he placed a firearm under the seat.”
Ernst added that the driver was allegedly asked to step out of the vehicle for the vehicle to be searched. When the firearm was found, the driver made a dash. The drive was then chased by the Traffic Police officers. They later arrested the suspect as he was unable to produce any proof that the firearm belonged to him.
“Upon further investigation it was found that the serial number of the firearm was tampered with,” she said. The suspect appeared in the Randfontein Magistrates’ Court two days later.
The acting station commander of the Randfontein Police Station, Colonel Marius Smit congratulated the officers who were responsible for the recovery of this unlicensed firearm and the arrest of the suspect.
He said, “The fact that the serial number was tampered with is a clear indication that the firearm was surely intended to be used in the commission of a crime. Congratulations on your efforts in proactive crime prevention strategies.”
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