SENEKAL – The Senekal Detective Service has arrested two suspects from Matwabeng near Senekal after they were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
On December 11 at approximately 8 p.m., a detective conducted a preliminary investigation into the theft of a 7.65mm pistol stolen from a house in Senekal. The investigation led police to the first suspect, aged 19, who was arrested after a search of his home revealed the stolen firearm in his possession.
His arrest subsequently led to the arrest of his accomplice, who is believed to have previously been working at the complainant’s home when the firearm was stolen. It is alleged that the two suspects hid the gun together.
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The rightful owner has been charged under the Firearms Control Act with negligent loss of a firearm.
Both suspects have been charged and are expected to appear in the Senekal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, December 16 on charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition without a permit.
Regional firearms problem
The proliferation of illegal firearms remains a serious problem in Thabo Mofutsanyana district.
“We urge lawful firearms owners to ensure strict compliance with the Firearms Control Act and always secure their firearms safes. Individuals in possession of illegal firearms are warned that the arm of the law will reach out to them as we continue to remove illegal firearms from criminal hands,” said Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the Free State Police.
Marti Will
novanews.co.za