Public Order Policing members continue to strive for a safer community in Phuthaditjhaba as two firearms were found with one suspect being arrested.
On Wednesday, 01 November 2023 at about 18:00, members of Welkom Public Order Policing Unit followed up on information of unlicensed firearms in Phuthaditjhaba. Intelligence led information took members to a house in Kudumane. Upon arrival one of the two males, wanted for stock theft in Phuthaditjhaba, fled on foot. Two members chased the suspect through the river and up the mountain where police members managed to apprehend the suspect.
It is reported that the suspect snatched the members firearm and pushed him down the mountain. But the trained marksman who gave support, fired two shots at the suspect with one fatally wounding him.
Back at the house, members searched and found one unlicensed firearm with ammunition under the mattress, further information took members to a kraal where another firearm was dug up. The 54-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased suspect had two cases of murder in Phuthaditjhaba and a possession of unlicensed firearm. The community of Kudumane welcomed the swift police action as the suspect was terrorizing the community.
The suspect will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court soon, for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Both firearms will be sent for ballistics.