The accused, Izak Hattingh (42) appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court yesterday, 20 October 2021 where he was found guilty of contravening the Firearm Control Act.
He was arrested last year on 28 October 2020 after the Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crimes (NPVC) based in Bloemfontein visited his Gunshop in Bloemfontein which was identified as a gunsmith that specialises in illegal barrel changing in contravention with the Firearms Control Act.
During the search of the premises, Police discovered 262 altered firearms (Rifle) barrels. It is alleged that he was unlawfully changing the serial numbers of those firearm barrels to hide the original identity of the barrels which is in contravention of the Firearms Control Act. He appeared in court on several occasions culminating in his recent conviction.
The court fined Hattingh R25 000 or three (3) years direct imprisonment. He was also sentenced to seven (7) years direct imprisonment which is suspended for five (5) years.