Hefty sentence imposed in Bronkhorstspruit for the possession of an illegal firearm
During the search, a firearm with ammunition was found and André Robert Bashford was then arrested for the possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
A Bronkhorstspruit detective secured a 20-year imprisonment sentence for a man found guilty of possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition.
The police received information on April 8, 2018, around 21:00 of a man suspected of having an unlicensed firearm.
The police found a firearm with ammunition when they searched the suspect’s residence. The suspect, André Robert Bashford, was then arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The docket was assigned to Constable Jerry Threeboy Gama for further investigation. Bashford was found guilty on February 24.
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“Gama secured a conviction of 20 years of which 15 years imprisonment for the possession of a firearm without a licence and five years imprisonment for the possession of ammunition without a licence or permit.
“The sentence imposed on both counts will run concurrently,” said Constable Cathrine Ramovha, communication officer at the Bronkhorstspruit Police in a media statement released on March 13.
“The Bronkhorstspruit Police applauds Gama for the great work that he did. We admire the dedication and diligence he puts into his work,” said detective commander, Lieutenant Colonel Matthys Strydom.
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“This sentence should serve as a strong warning to all perpetrators of crime. The police will not rest until they are behind bars.”
Colonel Maqhawe Simon Dhladla, station commander of the Bronkhorstspruit Police, pleaded with the community to continue working with the police.
“We urge the community to work closely with the police in fighting crime. We also encourage community members to join the CPF.
“The function of the CPF is to establish and maintain the partnership between the community and SAPS, promoting joined problem identification and problem-solving,” Dhladla added.
