SAPS find weapons cache

The SAPS arrested a man living on Botha Street in Geduld for possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, explosives and SAPS uniforms.

The arrest comes after a tenant found military explosives and ammunition hidden under a compost heap when he worked in the garden on Monday morning.

According to Springs SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, the tenant was digging up a compost heap at the back of the garden when the house owner allegedly told him not to dig at a specific spot because he had buried explosives there.

“After the owner had left for Mpumalanga on business, his tenant returned to the spot he was told not to dig,” said Tshabalala.

“While digging, he found a missile-shaped object, later identified as a mortar.”

Tshabalala said the tenant closed the heap and went to the police station to report his finding.

The Springs Crime Prevention Unit, led by captains Mervin Kasaven and Wynand du Toit, went to the house to investigate.

The police found two mortars, three CS rounds (tear gas), six .22 rounds, 18 .223 rounds, three R5 magazines, 12 9mm rounds, three AK-47 rounds, one shotgun round, 36 Special Task Force camouflage pants, one SAPS jacket, one bunny jacket, two ceremonial pants and one tunic.

Officers also found a .22 revolver not belonging to the owner on the premises.

Tshabalala said there were allegedly more explosives buried in the garden.

The SAPS Explosive Unit had to wait for the owner to return from his trip before determining if the premises had other hidden explosives.

The crime scene remains cordoned off from Monday until further instruction from the explosive unit.