LUSIKISIKI, EASTERN CAPE – Police will be taking legal action against the management of a licensed liquor outlet following the arrest of a patron for possession of an unlicensed 9 mm pistol with ammunition on Saturday 30 May.

In statement, Eastern Cape police said a task team from the OR Tambo District was patrolling the Ntsimbini Location in Lusikisiki around 23:00, when it received information about a man who was believed to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm in one of the local taverns.

“Members, acting in terms of Section 22 of the Criminal Procedure Act 57 of 1977, entered the identified liquor outlet and targeted a patron who matched the given description,” the statement said.

“Upon searching the patron, members found him in possession of an unlicensed 9 mm pistol with ammunition. He was arrested for contravening the Firearms Control Amendment Act 28 of 2006 (possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition). The recovered firearm will be subjected to a ballistics investigation.”

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A 30-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Monday 1 June, on charges of unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

“Public safety requires a two-way partnership, where residents serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground,” said Major-General Norman Modishana, OR Tambo district commission.

“Police are going to initiate a legal process against the owner or the manager of the tavern for allowing an armed patron into the establishment.”