Turning the vehicle’s registration plates upside down drew the attention of Balfour Crime Prevention members on Saturday, 23 December 2023 and their suspicion led to the recovery of a reported stolen firearm with ammunition which led to the arrest of two suspects.
The SAPS members were conducting normal stop and search operations when two minibuses emerged. According to information, one of the minibuses was being towed then Police searched both kombis. The attention of the members was caught by the unusual act whereby the registration number plates on one of the minibuses being towed was placed upside down.
Police then intensified their search and it was at this moment when the astute members stumbled upon an unlicenced firearm which was reportedly found inside the minibus. The driver of the minibus was also in possession of live ammunitions inside his pockets without a firearm licence.
On further investigations, it was established that the firearm was reported stolen in Alberton, East of Johannesburg in Gauteng.
The two suspects aged 34 and 38 were arrested as well as charged for possession of unlicenced firearm with ammunition.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 27 December 2023 facing the said charges.
The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to ascertain if it was not used in other criminal activities.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended members for conducting a thorough search. “Our members did a great job. Somehow the lives of people were saved and also averted possible robberies. We will always ensure safety for our communities,” said Lieutenant General Manamela.