10 nabbed for unlicensed firearms and stolen goods

Mooinooi/ Brits – Ten men appeared before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Friday 30 October on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, suspected stolen property and housebreaking implements.

The accused are remanded in custody until 9 November when they are expected to make their second court appearance.

All ten suspects were arrested by Mooinooi Detectives and Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT) on Wednesday 28 October following a tip-off about suspicious armed men who were spotted in Matamong informal settlement on the outskirts of Brits.

It is alleged that the accused were found at a rented house. During a search of two shacks the police found three unlicensed 9mm pistols, a rifle, 38 rounds of ammunition, suspected stolen goods including cell phones, a computer monitor and various tools. Further investigations have revealed that one of the firearms was reported stolen in Tsakane, Gauteng province.

Provincial commissioner of North West, lieutenant general Sello Kwena applauded all the police members involved for their rapid response and ensuring that the alleged criminals were arrested. He also thanked members of the community for working together with the police in the fight against crime.