SUSPECT ARRESTED INSIDE A TAVERN AND FOUND IN POSSESSION OF AN ESTATE FIREARM

Tonga police have arrested Jabulani Ngomane (43) inside a certain tavern and reportedly found him in possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition. The suspect appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 23 October 2023 where the matter was postponed to 21 November 2023 for a formal bail application meanwhile the suspect remain in custody.

He was arrested on Sunday, 22 October 2023 at a local tavern in Tonga following a tip-off from the community.

Police responded swiftly to the information and upon arrival at the liquor outlet, the suspect was cornered then searched. It was during this time when the astute members discovered a firearm, black CZ 83 pistol with ammunition in his possession. He failed to produce a licence thereof hence he was apprehended as well as charged for possession of an unlicenced firearm with ammunition.

Preliminary investigation by the Police has since revealed that the firearm was belonging to a certain person from Witbank who has since passed away hence it is regarded as part of an estate as the records indicate.

The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere. Therefore Police cannot rule out the possibilities of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues

The management of the SAPS in Mpumalanga appreciates the work done by whistle blowers who reported the matter to the police. The public are once again informed that everyone should adhere to the Firearm Control Act by making new applications for licences to possess firearms, including for those firearms which belonged to the deceased persons. Alternatively, if such people are not interested in owning those firearms, they may then surrender the weapon to the authorities.