MBOMBELA - Two suspects were arrested at Calcutta and Lydenburg in two separate incidents, after they were found in possession of unlicensed firearms, as well as ammunition and other  illegal items.

In the latest incident at Calcutta, a 53-year-old man, Simeon Elvis Mhlongo appeared at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court yesterday, for possession of an unlicensed hunting rifle.

Mhlongo’s appearance came after the members of Tactical Response Team (TRT) acted on information about a man who was in possession of a firearm in Madras Trust near Hazyview. Upon arrival at the house, the members conducted a search and a .22 rifle with ammunition was discovered and seized.

Mhlongo was granted bail of R1 000 and was ordered to reappear at the same court on 10 January 2019.  

In another incident, a suspect was arrested in Lydenburg, after police received a report about a death at Spitskop Farm on Sunday, 18 November. When they arrived at the farm, they found the victim with an open wound to the head. Police were informed that  the victim had apparently fell fallen due to being intoxicated.

A preliminary investigation led to the discovery of a .22 rifle, ammunition of various calibres, and a reloading press for a pistol. 39-year-old Alexander Franke was arrested. Further investigation by the K9 units of Lydenburg and White River led to the seizure of ammunition, empty cartridges, crystal meth, a bottle containing mercury and an unknown chemical which was sent to a forensic laboratory for testing.

Franke appeared in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court on 20 November 20 on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, drugs, and the unlawful manufacturing of ammunition and explosives. He was remanded in custody, pending his bail application on Tuesday, November 26.

Submitted by: Col Mtsholi Bhembe
Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink