On Saturday, 28 December 2019 Organised Crime Detectives and Ritchie police members under command of Lt Col Magugu followed up information subsequent to a housebreaking that occurred in Rietvale at Ritchie. During the housebreaking, firearms, ammunition and electrical appliances were stolen.
Preliminary investigation led the members to various addresses which were raided and two suspects were found and arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. Various items that were allegedly stolen during the housebreaking were also recovered.
Both suspects aged 21 and 23 years were arrested and are expected to appear before court soon.
The Police remind the public to make use of the firearm amnesty which was officially launched by the Minister of Police, General Bkehi Cele during November 2019.
The amnesty period will end in May 2020.
The amnesty allows a person to voluntarily surrender illegal and/or unwanted firearms and ammunition, or parts thereof. This also covers firearms that have not been renewed by the legal owner and are therefore regarded as illegal.
Those who hand over such firearms during this amnesty period will not be prosecuted, on condition that police confirm that the firearm(s) is/are not linked to any previous crime.
More information can be obtained from the Firearm, Liquor and Second Hand goods Unit (FLASH) at all Police Station
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