Police Recover Rifles in Pienaar
Police in Pienaar have launched an investigation after a number of abandoned firearms were recovered on Wednesday, 19 November, as part of the ongoing Operation Safer Festive Season.
nnnnAccording to authorities, officers received information about a group allegedly transporting firearms from Mataffin near Nelspruit to Pienaar in a white Nissan NP300 bakkie. A police member later spotted the vehicle in the Mkhatsini (Karino) area and followed it while alerting colleagues at Pienaar SAPS.
nnnnAs the vehicle approached Moyeni Mall, two men seated at the back reportedly jumped off with a white bag and fled into nearby bushes. The bakkie then sped away.
nnnnDuring the chase, police found two bags of maize meal abandoned by the suspects. On closer inspection, the bags were found to contain three rifles and 25 rounds of ammunition.
nnnnThe items recovered included:
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- A brown rifle nnnn
- A black Gladiator shotgun with a shoulder belt nnnn
- A brown rifle fitted with a zoomed scope and shoulder belt nnnn
- A black waist ammunition belt nnnn
- Various shotgun rounds n
Police have confirmed that the firearms were stolen during a residential burglary in White River. All items have been confiscated and will undergo forensic ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in any other criminal activities. The serial numbers will also be circulated to identify the lawful owners.
nnnnThe police are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to submit a tip-off anonymously via the MySAPS App.
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