FICKSBURG – A man (25) is expected to appear in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court after being arrested near the Lesotho border with a firearm reported stolen in Gauteng.
The arrest was made on Monday, 1 June, during a routine patrol by border guards deployed at the Ficksburg Port of Entry.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said two officers on motorcycle patrol noticed two men behaving suspiciously while moving through veld near the border at about 12:20.
When the officers approached the pair for questioning, both men fled on foot, triggering a pursuit across the border area.
The officers gave chase on their motorcycles and apprehended one of the suspects. A search of the man led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
Investigations revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen in Nigel, Gauteng, in November last year.
The suspect, described as an undocumented foreign national, was arrested and taken into custody. He faces charges relating to the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as contravening immigration legislation.
The second suspect evaded arrest. Police have not indicated whether a search operation is under way to locate him.
