LIMPOPO – The police have arrested a 65-year-old traditional healer from Masisi and his co-accused, a 33-year-old man from Madimbo, after they were found in the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, during the ongoing Festive Season joint operations in the Vhembe District.
The two accused were arrested during separate incidents on Monday, 21 December and according to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi their apprehension came after the police followed up on a tip-off received about the existence of illegal firearms in a house at Madimbo village in the Tshamutumbu policing area.
“The team operationalised and on arrival at the said premises they were met with gunfire from a man in the house. A shootout ensued and the suspect managed to evade the arrest. No one was injured and a case of attempted murder was opened at Tshamutumbu police station. The team worked tirelessly and the suspect was subsequently traced and arrested at his girlfriend’s house at Madimbo village.
“Further investigation led the team to another house in the Masisi policing area where the firearm, that was allegedly used during the shootout with police, had been hidden. A search of the premises revealed a 9mm pistol with nine rounds of live ammunition and the owner of the house, a 65-year-old traditional healer was arrested on the spot.”
A rifle and 21 rounds of live ammunition were also recovered at Madimbo village, during the incident.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Tshamutumbu and Masisi magistrate’s courts, respectively, on a charge of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The 33-year-old suspect faces and added charge of attempted murder and will still be profiled to link him to separate serious and violent cases.
The recovered firearms will also be sent for ballistic tests to ascertain whether they were used in the commission of other crimes, he added.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Maj Genl Jan Scheepers has praised the endless efforts by these members in ensuring firearms are removed from the wrongful hands and in arresting the suspects involved.
Police investigations still continue.
