MOTHOTLUNG A ‘DANGER ZONE’ AS SUSPECTED CRIMINAL HIDEOUT UNCOVERED!
Mothotlung is becoming a dangerous area to live in, with the arrest of a 59-year-old suspected dangerous criminal and the seizure of an arsenal of illegal firearms raising fresh concerns about crime in the area.
Brits, often regarded by outsiders as a relatively quiet town in Madibeng, is also facing a growing criminal threat, with serious criminals allegedly hiding in communities such as Mothotlung and using the area as a hideout.
The latest arrest has once again placed the spotlight on the availability of illegal firearms in the area and the potential threat they pose to residents.
A 59-year-old man was arrested by police in Mothotlung after an intelligence-driven operation uncovered several unlicensed firearms and live ammunition.
The operation was carried out by Mothotlung police, supported by Brits Crime Intelligence and the Brits Tactical Response Team (TRT), following information about individuals allegedly terrorising communities in and around Mothotlung.
Police investigations led officers to Extension 2, where they spotted the suspect driving a bakkie.
The vehicle was stopped and searched.
Inside, police discovered a 9mm CZ pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect could not produce a valid licence for the firearm and was immediately placed under arrest.
But the operation did not end there.
Police proceeded to the suspect’s home in Mothotlung, where another search uncovered two pistols, a rifle, a shotgun and additional live ammunition, including rifle and handgun ammunition.
The discovery of the firearms has intensified concerns about the role Mothotlung may be playing as a possible hiding place for criminals operating in the wider Brits and Madibeng area.
Police are now working to establish who owns the firearms and ammunition and whether they may have been used or intended for use in other serious criminal activities.
The suspect is facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).
For residents, the arrest is another reminder that the fight against crime in Mothotlung and surrounding areas is far from over, particularly while criminals continue to gain access to illegal firearms.