A stash of unlicensed firearms and ammunition discovered in Louis Trichardt has raised fears that criminal gangs may be operating in the area. Four suspects were arrested on Tuesday afternoon, 12 May, and six illegal firearms were confiscated.
According to a police statement, officers from the Makhado police acted on a tip-off regarding a suspicious vehicle and visited a property at a Rondebosch smallholding, just outside Louis Trichardt.
“Upon arrival at the identified location, police found three males and searched them, including their motor vehicle, a white Corsa. During the search, police recovered three firearms and ammunition inside the vehicle,” the statement reads.
Three suspects, aged 33, 41 and 69, were arrested.
Acting on further information, police then visited another property in Kock Street in the older part of Louis Trichardt. There, two revolvers and a pipe gun were recovered. A fourth suspect, aged 38, was subsequently arrested at the scene.
The four suspects are expected to appear before the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 14 May (today), on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests and commended officers for their swift response.