Police conducted a sting operation in Morgenzon on December 29 after a 9 mm pistol went missing at Morgezon Police Station two weeks ago.
The pistol went missing from the police station’s community service centre between December 16 and 17.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said in a statement the commanders at the station realised that one of the pistols was missing.
“This led to an immediate investigation to find out what has really occurred,” said Mohlala.
The investigation pointed to a police officer tasked to safeguard the items during a night shift duty.
“The information was traced, and it further emerged that the pistol was allegedly sold to a tavern owner by a member of the police,” said Mohlala.
Mohlala said it was during that time that the operation was carried out.
He added that the team that participated in the operation consisted of members from Morgenzon SAPS, Tactical Response Team, and the Hawks.
“On Friday 29 December, the coordinated information was operationalised after a search warrant was obtained in court. It was during this period when members strategically pounced on several houses where a massive search was conducted in Morgenzon, “Mohlala added.
He stated that during the search, several firearms were found, which include a shotgun, a pistol which is believed to have been stolen at the police station as well as another pistol, a magazine for an R5 rifle, as well as ammunition for an R5 rifle.
“The four suspects arrested include a police sergeant who was on duty when the pistol disappeared, a tavern owner, a woman and a Mozambican national.
They were charged with the illegal posession of ammunition, and the police officer is facing an extra charge of theft of a firearm.
Mohlala said the four will soon appear in court soon.
He said police are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the Mozambican national that was arrested.
Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, applauded the exceptional work done by the team in arresting the four suspects.
“We want to use this opportunity to warn police officials as well as all law enforcement agencies who might be tempted to engage in criminal or corrupt activities, that we will not hesitate to take appropriate steps against them without any fear or favour,” said Manamela.
