Klerksdorp Midweek, Kanana - Two men met with the long arm of the law last week when they were busted for being in possession of unlicensed firearms. On March 17, a tactical and crime intelligence led operation by Potchefstroom Public Order Police (POP), the Provincial Anti-Gang and Drug Team busted the two suspects for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Chris Hani Section in Kanana.
Acting on a tip-off, they intercepted a white Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng Province registration number.
The driver allegedly jumped out when he saw the police and ran away. Upon searching the vehicle, the police found one 9mm pistol, a magazine with 9 rounds and 41 x 9mm rounds of ammunition.
Captain Mpho Manyoba, police spokesperson, said the passenger was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, which the police confiscated together with the vehicle.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the firearm’s serial numbers were filed off. Kabi Elliot Maduna (28), from Lesotho, appeared in the Orkney Ma-gistrates’ Court and is still in custody.
In another incident, an intelligence led information directed the police to a house in Chris Hani Section in Kanana where they had a search warrant. According to Manyoba, they found two firearms, two magazines with ammunition and 13 loose rounds in an ammunition container. Patrick Dipholo (50) claimed to be a tenant, and alleged that the house belongs to a Lesotho foreign national. He was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms ammunition.
Investigations into both cases continue.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng was delighted by the teamwork displayed and the subsequent discovery and removal of the firearms and ammunition from the wrong hands.
