Two arrested for unlicensed firearms, mandrax tablets
Two young men have been arrested after an illegal firearm and mandrax tablets were found in their possession in Bekkersdal.
Two suspects were recently arrested thanks to the swift response by police in Spooktown, Bekkersdal.
According to West Rand District Police spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya, the district crime intelligence office received information about a suspect who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm at an address in Bekkersdal on Tuesday, January 17.
Also read: Three suspects arrested in connection to possession of unlawful firearms
“Police then collaborated with members of Bekkersdal’s Visible Policing unit to establish a tactical response team. The information received was operationalised and the suspects’ addresses were identified and pointed out.”
He added police pounced on the suspects at addresses and an intensive search was conducted which led to the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, three rounds of ammunition and mandrax tablets on Wednesday, January 18. The two suspects aged 24 and 25 were placed under arrest and each charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Also read: Youngster arrested with illegal firearm, ammo
Captain Sibiya said the recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic tests to determine if it was previously used in the commission of any crime.
“Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition is a challenge and remains a concerning problem in the district. This kind of operation is aimed at reducing the scourge and the spreading of the problem”, said West Rand District Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana as he applauded the members’ swift response.
The two suspects will appear briefly in the Bekkersdal Magistrate’s Court soon and will be facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
