Intelligence driven operation leads to Lesotho man bust with hunting rifle and pistol

Theunissen: Intelligence led information leads to the arrest of Lesotho man (29) after found with a hunting rifle, 9mm pistol and ammunition.

A joint operation which led to this seizures was applauded by the Acting District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa.

On Wednesday, 8 September 2021 at 13:00 members of Crime Intelligence received a tip-off about unlicensed firearms and ammunitions at a farm in Theunissen district.

A joint operation was organized instantly and Stilte farm at Theunissen was approached by the team comprising of Lejweleputswa District CIT Task Team, security personnel and Crime Intelligence.

The suspect was found in possession of Springfield Winchester. 308 Calibre, hunting rifle, one rifle magazine with five (5) X. 308 cal live ammunitions and one Astra 9mm Pistol with one magazine.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a pistol was stolen in 1994 at Piet Rerief. The hunting rifle was reported stolen on the 26 August 2021 at Kidds Beach at East London.

This 29 year old man will appear in Theunissen Magistrate Court on the 13 September 2021.

A joint operation which led to this seizures was applauded by the Acting District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa.

“We would like to thank residents of Theunissen for giving the Police this sensitive information which led to the seizures of these unlicensed firearms and ammunitions,” Free State Brigadier Mzondi Mojafi addressed.

He adds: “We regard this as a breakthrough as innocent and law abiding citizens could have been killed or robbed their valuable items”