GA-MAAKE-The Police in Maake have arrested one suspect believed to be part of a gang responsible for serious and violent crimes in and around the Maake area in Tzaneen.
The suspect identified as Phuthutu Mmola was found with two rifles and explosives amongst items during the arrest.
Preliminary investigation indicates that SAPS members were conducting patrol duties when they noticed a suspicious-looking Toyota bakkie next to a local filling station.
As they approached the vehicle, the suspects drove off at a high speed and the members gave chase the suspects were subsequently cornered next to Julesburg village where two suspects managed to evade arrest by fleeing on foot. One suspect was apprehended and upon searching the vehicle, the following items were recovered;
Two Riffles and 48 ammunition, two magazines, one black bag, two pair hand-woven, three balaclavas, one black Nokia, one crowbar, one hammer, four Carmen capped fuses, two lengths of detonating cords, two super 90 blasting cartridges, three improvised (ammonium nitrate) Carmen capped fuses, two lengths of detonating cord, two super 90 blasting cartridges, three improvised(ammonium nitrate)
The 33-year-old suspect appeared before the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Friday 28 April 2023 facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and possession of illegal explosives.
He was remanded in custody until next week Friday 05 May 2023 while the police investigation continues.
