Foreigner caught with illegal gun at tavern

A 23-year-old Lesotho foreign national has been arrested after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as being in contravention of the Immigration Act.

He was arrested last Wednesday, January 4 at the Tambo section in Bekkersdal.

Also read: Man in his twenties arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm

Bekkersdal Police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said the man was arrested during a search at a tavern.

“The community policing crime prevention team known as Siyabangena went into the informal settlement, looking for anything or anyone in conflict with the law. They were supported by the police as they conduct their constitutional obligation which is fighting crime. They went to a local tavern in Tambo which is rife with firearms related crimes and that’s where they allegedly identified themselves and requested to conduct a random search inside the tavern including the patrons.

Also read: Man with unlicensed firearm and ammunition busted

“One on the patrons was found with a firearm in his waist and he could not produce any license to possess it and as a result, he was immediately placed under arrest,” said Sergeant Lefakane who added that the firearm will be processed further to establish if it was not used in other crimes.”

According to Sergeant Lefakane, 13 more suspects were arrested for various crimes, ranging from possession of drugs, dealing in liquor without a license, dealing in dagga and being in possession of gold bearing material.

Meanwhile, Bekkersdal Police Station Commander Colonel Phumelele Matamela commended the team for the excellent job well done and thanked them for their dedication and selflessness in working towards making Bekkersdal a safe place to live in.

“This is a good way to start the year, thank you all for removing a firearm from the wrong hands,” Matamela concluded.