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Mpumalanga police arrested a suspect and recovered a mini-arsenal found on the back of his single-cab bakkie.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the man was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning by members conducting routine patrols in White River.
“The driver of the vehicle ignored the instructions of the members and attempted to evade them by driving off at high speed. A pursuit ensued as the members of the Flying Squad chased after the suspect.
“After a determined effort, the SAPS members managed to stop the vehicle,” Mdhluli said.
He said after searching the vehicle the officers found eight AK 47 rifles, one R1 rifle, one R4 rifle, one R5 rifle, a pistol, revolver, two grenades and dozens of rounds of live ammunition.
“The swift and decisive action taken by our officers has undoubtedly prevented these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands and potentially causing harm.
“The suspect has been arrested and will be facing charges related to the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition,” Mdhluli said.
The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were not previously used in the commission of any crime.
Provincial police management and the Mpumalanga Safety and Security MEC welcomed the arrest saying, “together we can make our communities safer.”
