UNLAWFUL FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES BUST 

Rustenburg – In the early hours of Tuesday, 22 October 2024, a collaborative effort between the Vala Umgodi team, the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and the Explosives Unit led to the arrest of a man in Robega village, near Phokeng outside Rustenburg, for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The arrest was made after authorities received intelligence about illegal activities involving dangerous weapons in the area. During the operation, police seized a 9mm Taurus pistol loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. 

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Godfrey Nkunyanebomvu, allegedly admitted to not holding a valid firearm license. A thorough search of his residence uncovered a range of ammunition and explosives hidden in his bedroom.

As officers were leaving the property, they conducted a search of the suspect’s Toyota Fortuner, leading to the discovery of a Norinco pistol with a filed-off serial number, along with a magazine and five rounds of ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Taurus pistol belonged to a Zinniaville resident and had been reported stolen during a robbery in Marikana in May 2022.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that Nkunyanebomvu appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and commercial explosives. 

North West provincial commissioner, lieutenant general Sello Kwena, welcomed the successful operation, commending the team’s efforts to curb illegal firearm possession. “These items are often used to commit crimes, including during illegal mining operations,” Kwena stated, underlining the importance of cracking down on such offenses for community safety.