Cape Town – A 31-year-old member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been arrested for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in a residential complex in Brandwag, Bloemfontein.
According to Times Live, the arrest was carried out by the Park Road tactical response team following intelligence that the suspect had an illegal firearm.
During the arrest, an antique rifle, a stun grenade, live ammunition, and rifle magazines were discovered hidden in the suspect’s bedroom said Free State police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli .
The Department of Defence Media Statement || Friday, 25 August 2023 || The Department of Defence welcomes the arrest of a SA National Defence Force soldier in Bloemfontein on 22 August 2023.#SANDF#DCCMediaLiaison pic.twitter.com/rBJPdxFG9C
— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) August 25, 2023
“On arrival at one of the units, a male person was arrested after police found an antique rifle, a stun grenade, sixty R5 live ammunition pieces, five empty R5 rifle magazines and three empty R1 rifle magazines tucked away under a bag in the bedroom,” Kareli said, according to News24.
The arrested soldier was also found in possession of a police uniform cap.
The value of the seized items is estimated at R90 000.
The suspect is set to face charges in court for possession of the illegal firearm and ammunition.
The Department of Defence praised the police for swiftly apprehending the SANDF member and disclosed that the individual was suspected of stealing firearms and ammunition from a military base and selling them to the public.
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Picture: Twitter/ @SANDF_ZA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
