NELSPRUIT � A joint operation between members of the Crime Intelligence Unit, Tonga Cluster Stations members as well as the South African National Defence Force members led to the arrest of nine suspects aged between 23 and 47 as well as the seizure of firearms and ammunition today, at Block C and Mangweni in Tonga, near Malelane.

The arrest of the suspects came after police received information of the suspects who were in possession of firearms without licenses. An operation was then conducted resulting in the arrest of the suspects as well as seizure of four firearms, a toy gun, ammunition as well as a cellphone. The police also seized a vehicle which is believed to have been used during the commission of crime.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the firearms had been stolen/robbed, as one has a Pretoria case number, the second one belonged to a deceased person, the third one’s serial number was filed off, the last one being a home/self-made shot gun and the toy gun.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Tonga Magistrates’ Court soon, facing the possession of firearms without licences and many others.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has welcomed the arrest and appreciated the good work done by the team members in the fight against crime.

Source: South African Police Service