The suspect was arrested on Friday following a tip-off by community members who reported a suspicious vehicle parked at Steenbok Crescent in Prieska at around midnight. 

Police spokesperson, Olebogeng Tawana, says upon the polices' arrival, the suspect was found sleeping inside the vehicle. When the police searched the vehicle, a hunting rifle and two goats were found. 

Tawana says the 25-year-old failed to produce documentation for the livestock and could not produce a licence for the rifle which led to his arrest. 

A white bakkie believed to be instrumental in the commission of the crime was also confiscated. 

His arrest comes less than a month since Police Minister, Bheki Cele, sent a stern warning against criminality following the release of the quarterly crime statistics, which reflected an increase in the number of crimes that occurred between 1 April and June 2021. 

The suspect will face charges of illegal possession of a firearm and stock theft before the Prieska Magistrate’s Court.

OFM News