A police officer from Lwandle was arrested for allegedly being in possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition at the weekend.
An operation by the Provincial Extortion Task Team led to the arrest of the 46-year-old man operating as a police officer in the area.
Provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the task team had followed up on information in Lwandle on Saturday (29 October).
“On arriving at the address in Majola Street around 21:30, they found an unknown man at home who admitted he was in possession of a firearm that belonged to a relative,” Swartbooi said.
“The police officers searched the premises and confiscated a 9 mm Norinco pistol with ammunition, including a shotgun round found hidden in a crate.”
Swartbooi further explained the man could not provide a valid licence for possessing the firearm and ammunition, and he refused to disclose the identity of his relative, whom he claimed was the lawful owner of the firearm.
“The 46-year-old man was arrested and detained on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice and negligent safekeeping of a firearm,” Swartbooi added.
The suspect had yet to make his first appearance in court at time of going to print.
