THABONG: Police have arrested a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman after an unlicensed firearm was discovered at their home in Thabong.
According to South African Police Service, on Friday, 23 May 2025, members of the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit received intelligence-driven information about a suspect allegedly selling an unlicensed firearm. Acting promptly on the information, the officers were led to a residence in Thabong. The premises were approached tactically, and the two individuals were found inside the house. After receiving permission to search the premises, police reportedly discovered a special revolver firearm and two live rounds of ammunition. The suspects were arrested after failing to produce a license for the firearm. It is also alleged that the male suspect attempted to bribe the officers in a bid to escape arrest.
The suspects, aged 28 and 21, were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Additionally, the 28-year-old male will face charges of bribery and contravention of the immigration act.
Police seized the special revolver firearm, two live rounds of ammunition, and R5000 in cash during the operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm was allegedly stolen from its lawful owner in Odendaalsrus in October 2024.
The two suspects are set to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon.