WELKOM – A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition after police recovered a Norinco pistol and seven rounds of live ammunition in Thabong.

Members of the Welkom Public Order Police (POP) Platoon 1 were conducting crime-combatting duties at about 17:00 on Saturday, 26 September, when they received intelligence about an African male who was allegedly in possession of a firearm.

Police followed up on the information and proceeded to an identified address in Thabong.

When officers arrived at the house, they reportedly saw the suspect jumping over a fence. Members gave chase and apprehended him in a nearby open field.

A search of the suspect allegedly resulted in the recovery of a Norinco pistol and seven rounds of live ammunition.

Police subsequently established that the suspect was a 13-year-old minor. Preliminary investigations indicated that the firearm belonged to his grandfather and that the firearm safe had allegedly been broken to gain access to the weapon.

The teenager was arrested for the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the arrest were explained to the boy’s mother. A probation officer was also brought in and the necessary documentation was completed.

The minor was subsequently released under parental supervision and is expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.