Mangaung Metro Tactical Response Team is keeping up the promise of the South African Police Service to extend its reach through (blue light) visibility during Safer Festive Season Operation by intensifying on the crime prevention activities. On Friday 14 January 2022 the team reported on duty at Selosesha with the objective to sweep through Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu localities.

At about 13:00 the members spotted an abandoned motor vehicle in the open space in T-section, Botshabelo. It later came out that the Silver Toyota RAV4 was reported stolen. The vehicle was seized and booked at the pound in Bloemfontein.

The operation continued and information of possible possession of unlicensed firearm led the team to Potsane Trust. On arrival at the Trust the members searched two African males and found a pistol with filed off serial number, one magazine and forty-seven live rounds. The two suspects: 19-year-old and 40-year-old African males who are also foreign nationals were then arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Further investigation led the team to Sonder Hout farm in Thaba Nchu. The house where the suspects alleged to reside at was searched and another firearm, a 303 British rifle was found. Two other African males; who are also foreign nationals aged 29 and 31-year-old were arrested for possession of unlicensed rifle firearm.

Separate cases of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition were opened at Selosesha Police Station. The suspects will appear in Selosesha Magistrate Court on Monday 17 January 2022.

“We need to applaud the hard work of this team, the confiscation of these two firearms will safe many lives.” Said the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane while commending the team.

Source: South African Police Service