Fourteen suspects arrested after terrorising communities, unlicensed firearm seized

On Sunday, 18 July 2021, the Welkom Public Order Police Reaction Team went to Ficksburg following up on information on unlicensed firearms.

When they were near Fouriesburg they received information from Caledonspoort Port of Entry police about a group of people terrorising the community in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho with firearms and were crossing over to the Republic of South Africa illegally.

Reinforcement was requested and waited for the group alongside the border. At approximately 20:30, a white taxi arrived near the border to collect the aforementioned group. When the group approached the taxi, they were all tactically surrounded and arrested.

Only one amongst 14 was found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, a 9mm pistol with serial numbers removed.

All 14 suspects arrested are expected to appear before Fouriesburg Magistrate court soon facing a charge of illegal immigration and one of the additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.