Firearm amnesty reminder 

Rustenburg – Police in Rustenburg have reminded those in possession of unlicensed or unwanted firearms to come clean and take advantage of a nationwide amnesty.  

The firearm amnesty commenced on Sunday 1 December 2019 and will run for five months until Sunday 31 May 2020.

Illegal firearms and ammunition are being seized by police during various operations and Rustenburg cluster commander major general Arthur Adams is urging those on the wrong side of the law to make use of the amnesty’s window of opportunity. 

“Amnesty creates an opportunity for members of the public to surrender illegally possessed or unwanted firearms, firearm parts and ammunition to the South African Police Service, without fear of prosecution for the unlawful possession,” he said. 

Meanwhile, a 37-year old suspect was arrested in Marikana for unlawful possession of ammunition on Sunday 12 January during a crime prevention operation.  

During a search, police seized a handgun as well as 43 rounds of ammunition. Police believe the firearm was allegedly stolen in September 2019.

Another 39-year old suspect was taken into police custody after he failed to produce papers for a hunting rifle and 719 live rounds of ammunition that were found in his possession.

 
Yet another suspect was arrested at his home in Rustenburg after police found him in possession of two hunting rifles, a 303 (with 13 rounds of ammunition) and a 202 (with 49 rounds of ammunition). 
The suspect, who could not produce the necessary lawful documentation, was taken into custody and charged with the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.  

On Monday 13 January, a further two suspects were arrested in Lethabong after they were found in possession of illegal drugs. A third suspect, known to the two, was arrested after he was spotted by the Phokeng Flying Squad. 

“The suspect was spotted driving a red VW golf. A 6.35 pistol with a magazine and two bullets were seized during a stop and search,” police spokesperson captain Elsabé Augoustides said.  

“The 26-year old suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm. All three of them will appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday 2 March,” she added.