FICKSBURG – A 32-year-old foreign male national arrested for attempted murder involving an unlicensed firearm is due to appear in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court – today – Monday, 23 February. The Free State police made a significant breakthrough, recovering an SAPS firearm during the arrest of the suspect.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the provincial police, said a preliminary investigation revealed the gun was a Gauteng police officer’s service firearm. He said the suspect is facing charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. His arrest came after he allegedly shot a 58-year-old man from Meqheleng township on Saturday, 21 February at about 21:30. Mophiring said the victim who had been shot in the leg survived.
According to information received, Mophiring said both the victim and armed suspect were among several people attending a traditional feast held at the Boitumelo informal settlement. “During the event, the suspect reportedly became aggressive and started quarrelling with other attendees, including the victim. The 58-year-old victim then left the dwelling, and upon reaching the gate of the yard, the suspect allegedly produced a firearm and fired a shot, striking the victim in the right leg. The injured man was rushed to a local hospital, where he received medical treatment and was later discharged,” said Mophiring.
He said officers who responded to the complaint made a significant breakthrough, finding incriminating evidence that include the firearm. “They found in his possession an unlicensed 9mm pistol with a visible serial number. It emerged to be a SAPS firearm reported as stolen in 2018 Gauteng. A case was opened at Silverton police station for further investigation,” said Mophiring. He said the firearm will further undergo ballistic testing to determine if it is linked to other crimes.
