SAPS intercept man smuggling gun from Zimbabwe

Thupeyo Muleya

South African police have arrested a 33 year old man for allegedly smuggling a 9mm pistol into that country via Beitbridge border post from Zimbabwe.

The police are yet to release the man’s identity, pending his appearance at the Musina magistrates court.

Limpopo police spokesperson Constable Maphure Manamela said the suspect was arrested on Saturday with a fire arm loaded with 14 live ammunition rounds.

“The arrest was made on Saturday 28 September 2019, at the Beitbridge border post by members performing their routine duties,” she said.

“The suspect is expected to appear at Musina Magistrate’s Court soon, on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Constable Manamela said they also arrested three other people for illegal possession of fire arms around Limpopo province at the weekend.

She said all recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic investigations to determine their possible involvement in violent crimes.

The Provincial Police Commissioner for Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, said the removal of firearms from the hands of criminals will have a significant impact on crimes such as murder, cash in transit heists and aggravated robberies.