Arrests see illegal guns confiscated

POLICE in the Eastern Cape have expressed concern about the large number of illegal firearms circulating in the province.

KwaBhaca cluster commander Brigadier Mthuthuzeli Mtukushe said four separate cases involving the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition had been reported between Saturday and yesterday.

He said illegal firearms had been used to rob a bakery van and a store of more than R80 000.

The firearms and ammunition were confiscated in Mbizana, EmaXesibeni and in KwaBhaca.

In another incident, seven people were arrested for the mob killing of a 34-year-old man whom they accused of being in possession of a suspected stolen solar panel in Mbizana. Here is a breakdown of the cases:

● On Saturday, a 24-year-old man was arrested in Lubhacweni village in KwaBhaca in possession of 119 mandrax tablets worth R15 000, seven bankies of dagga, a toy gun and R2 800;

● Police conducted a stop-andsearch and found a 34-year-old man in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with three rounds of ammunition;

● A 28-year-old man was arrested following the robbery of a bakery van in Ntabankulu on Saturday.

Mjoko said the man had been arrested in EmaXesibeni on Sunday in possession of a Norinco pistol loaded with eight rounds.

“He was arrested after businessmen alleged he robbed their store of more than R80 000 in EmaXesibeni last month.”

● A 25-year-old man was arrested at 6am yesterday at KuNdengana in Mbizana in possession of a revolver and two rounds. —