KOMANI – A 23-year-old man from Maya Locality in Cofimvaba is expected to appear in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 23 July after police arrested him for allegedly possessing two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The arrest follows complaints that the suspect had allegedly been randomly firing shots in his community, leaving residents living in fear, before he was traced during an intelligence-driven operation.

According to police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, information was received at about 12:00 on 21 July that a suspect was travelling to Komani from Maya Locality in Cofimvaba while allegedly in possession of a firearm.

She said the community had reportedly been living in fear because the suspect allegedly had a history of randomly firing shots in the area.

Mgolodela said a multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven operation involving the Komani Flying Squad, Dog Unit (K9) and Crime Intelligence was launched, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

She said officers found the suspect in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during the search.

“The joint team proceeded with the suspect to his homestead where, upon searching, they confiscated another firearm and ammunition. Both firearms were seized as exhibits and to determine whether they are linked to any previous criminal activities,” said Mgolodela.

She said the suspect is expected to make his first appearance in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 23 July.

District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph lauded the joint team for its swift response, which yielded positive results.

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