Man arrested with unlicensed firearm after confronting farmer with it

Farmer disarms a man after he confronts him and his son with a firearm, and police later catched the suspect.

Allegedly, on Monday, 29 November 2021, the complainant was at Ande Vrede Farm District, Phuthaditjhaba, with his father when the suspect arrived with another unknown man driving a tractor.

Complainant’s father asked the two men to leave, but the suspect engaged in a physical confrontation with both the father and his son.

Furthermore, the suspect drew out a firearm and fired a shot.

Father and son eventually overpowered and disarmed him. He then fled and left the firearm behind.

The following day on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, complainant brought the incident to Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team’s attention.

“Police seized the firearm pistol with serial number and circulated it. They discovered that it was reported stolen in Gugulethu, Western Cape,” stated Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring.

Members also managed to arrest the 25-year-old suspect. He appeared before Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 01 December 2021, facing possession of unlicenced firearm and ammunition.

Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane; commended the farmer and his son for disarming the suspect of firearm that could have killed innocent farm workers.