UPDATE: 27 May 2014, 2:30pm – Emma Shumler-Tishko, the wife of the man arrested and also one of the people arrested in the Norwood arms case was released from police custody on a warning.
According to police, the woman claims that she knew nothing about the weapons in their home and squashed claims from the public that the couple lived a lavish lifestyle. The couple’s daughter, Nelly, supports her mother’s claims that they are not arms dealers.
Police have stated that they believe the man arrested ran a crime syndicate where the weapons and bomb equipment were rented out to criminals to carry out their crimes against the South African public and once the crimes were committed, the weapons were returned to him.
The domestic worker is from Malawi while the family is believed to come from the Ukraine.
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Update: 27 May 2014, 11am – According to police, a manhunt is on for an Eastern European man related to the Norwood arms cache bust.
Hawks spokesperson Paul Ramaloko told Sapa that his arrest will answer the questions they have about the guns.
The three who were arrested, Emma Shumler-Tishko, 62, her husband Mark, 59, and Endi Nkhoma, 26, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The case was postponed to next Tuesday for a bail application.
They face 4 charges, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of ammunition, dealing in dagga, and contravention of the Explosives Act.
Update: 26 May 2014, 12pm –
It remains unclear as to when the alleged kingpin would be appearing in court.
The suspect, who is thought to be of Eastern European origin, was arrested last Friday (23 May) meanwhile his wife and domestic helper were arrested on Thursday evening.
His wife was, on Friday, allowed to go home and “freshen up”. She was later taken back into police custody.
Neighbours have told North Eastern Tribune that the suspect was a friendly and kind man who greeted everyone. “Don’t ever think you know your neighbours well as they may turn out to be the most wanted suspect in the country. It is shocking,” said the 45-year-old man who did not want to be named.
A journalist is on the ground and more information will follow soon.
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Update: 24 May 2014 – 7.52am:
“Members from Crime Intelligence, DPCI, Hillbrow police station, Head Office Narcotics were following up on information about possible drugs at this house. However, when they arrived here they discovered explosives, arms and ammunition but no drugs,” she said.
“The cache’ includes R1 rifles, R4 rifles, R5 rifles, AK-47 rifles and approximately 300 handguns. Police also found detonators, a machine used to manufacture ammunition, packaged dagga and explosives used for ATM bombings. I cannot say at this stage exactly how many guns are here. What I can say is that they are in the hundreds and they found concealed in containers.
“We are going to analyse this in detail to establish the origin of these arms and ammunition and more importantly, what they were intended for and whether any of them have been used in the commission of an offence.”
Meanwhile neighbours of the man have reported that he always seemed very friendly and greeted everyone though he seemed to walk his dog at odd hours.
“I cannot believe this. He was the type of man who will come around and give condolences when there’s been a death in the neighbourhood,” said Carlos Alves, who stays opposite the suspect’s house.
The suspect has not been formally charged as yet.
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Update 15.05pm
North Eastern Tribune can confirm that the suspect, whom according to police, is also the ring leader of a huge crime syndicate has been nabbed.
Our journalist on the ground said police and the hawks escorted the man into his house.
Head of Hawks in Gauteng General Sibiya is also at the scene.
Meanwhile, the man’s wife, who was arrested last night alongside two other suspects, has been released on bail and has arrived at the house.
Pictures to follow soon.
Update 12.30pm
Our Journalist on the ground, Aphiwe Boyce has said police at the scene of the crime have loaded bags into some of their vans. It was not clear at this point if these were the arms cache found at the house. We have also been informed that police are on their way to Norwood with the fourth suspect who, according to police, is the owner of the house and the kingpin to one of the biggest crime syndicates.
Update 11am: North Eastern Tribune has just received information that the leader of one of the biggest crime syndicates has just been arrested. A journalist is on the ground and more information will follow soon. It remains unclear at this point as to when the suspects in custody will appear in court.
Update 10am: The community of Norwood remains in shock after police arrested three people in connection with the arms cache found at a house in Norwood yesterday, 22 May 2014. Police have confirmed that the trio has been charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosions. Two women aged 62 and 26 and one man aged 61. Neighbours told North Eastern Tribune that the man, whom police say is one of the most wanted suspects in their list, used to take his dogs for walks around the area. “We never suspected that anything of this sort could be taking place right under the nose of our police. It is saddening. However, we are happy that our police clamped down on this activities,” said one neighbour who wished to remain anonymous. 
They also found detonators, a machine used to manufacture ammunition, packaged dagga and explosives used for ATM bombings.
Phiyega said, “We are going to analyse this in detail to establish the origin of these arms and ammunition and more importantly, what they were intended for and whether any of them have been used in the commission of an offence.”
Do you think this arrest will lower the crime rate in SA?
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Update: 8:30pm – The house where the bombs were discovered is on 2 Woodlands Street. Police found guns, ammunition and bombs inside the home. A Norwood resident told North Eastern Tribune that he was glad police had made the discovery. “I never expected such a thing in our area. It’s a quiet area where most residents know each other. We never thought something like this could be going on, but we are thankful to the police for their outstanding work,” said the resident. More information on suspects and arrests to follow shortly. Initial article: Norwood Police spokesperson, Constable Nonzwakazi Ntsoanyane said police were at the scene. Tsoanyane said this maybe one of the biggest busts police have made in Gauteng. It is still unclear if any arrests have been made. National Police commissioner, General Ria Piyega is said to be on her way to the scene. More details are to follow soon. What are your thoughts on this matter? Tell us by posting on our timeline, North Eastern Tribune or tweet us @NE_Tribune Add North East Tribune on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 29BEEF78
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