A 59-year-old man was arrested after being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, identity documents (IDs), bank cards, and a large amount of cash during a police raid at his home in Kutlwanong.

The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation by members of the Welkom Public Order Police (POP) on 18 July.

According to the police, officers acted on information that a man was in possession of an unlicensed firearm at a residence in the K4 section of Kutlwanong. On arriving at the property, they found a man matching the description provided by informants. He identified himself as the owner of the house and gave officers permission to search the premises.

During the search, a handgun and live ammunition was recovered. Several South African IDs, bank cards and a substantial amount of cash was also found to be concealed in a bedroom. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is allegedly operating as an unregistered money lender and he is suspected of unlawfully retaining clients’ IDs and bank cards.

The man has been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and contravening the National Credit Act.

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