NOORDWESTER – ZEERUST - Tomeletso Johnson Matebesi (27) who was already in custody for a separate case, was also charged on illegal possession of a firearm, as well as illegal possession of a pangolin carcass at Dinokana village, Zeerust on Monday, 22 July. The accused was arrested by the Mahikeng based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Zeerust K9 and Mahikeng Tactical Response Team (TRT), following information received about an illegal firearm that was reported to be at his residential place at Dinokana.
A search warrant was granted and the police proceeded to the suspect’s address. During the execution of a search warrant, a firearm and magazine with holster were found. On further search around the premises, a pangolin carcass was also found in the garage.
The accused was arrested on charges of Illegal possession of firearm and Contravention of the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA). He appeared before Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court on 24 July and the case was postponed to 31 July for formal bail application.
