News / National
Police arrest man illegally selling ammo
28 Dec 2021 at 07:09hrs | Views
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested a 31-year-old man for illegally selling ammunition raising concerns that his activities could be aiding armed robbers.
Police raided Langelihle Nyathi who is employed as a caretaker at Practical Pistol Club located in Donnington industrial site.
He was arrested on Sunday at 11AM at his workplace after police received a tip off on his illegal activities.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed Nyathi's arrest.
"Police received a tip-off that the suspect was illegally selling ammunition. Police detectives conducted investigations and they found him in possession of 50 live rounds of ammunition. He then led the police to his house where they searched and found 391 rounds of ammunition. He is not licensed to sell ammunition and will be charged," said Asst Insp Msebele.
She warned licensed gun operators to conduct background checks on their employees saying the illegally sold ammunition could be used by armed robbers.
"As police we are dealing with several armed robbery cases and we suspect some of these criminals could be getting their ammunition from people who illegally trade in ammunition. We call on licensed firearms operators to monitor the activities of their employees. The suspect is assisting police with investigations," she said.
The country has been recording a spike in armed robbery cases.
During his Unity Day speech, President Mnangagwa raised concern over gun related crimes saying it has become a national security threat.
"Lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in gun-related crimes. There is a clear upsurge in abuse of firearms, including violent armed robberies. Government now treats this as a grave threat to personal and National Security. Decisive measures have now become necessary to put an end to this growing menace which threatens our otherwise peaceful, law-abiding citizenry," said President Mnangagwa.
Police have on several occasions been involved in shootouts with armed robbers.
In August, police shot and killed three armed robbers following a shootout with a gang that had targeted a house in Four Winds suburb.
Police raided Langelihle Nyathi who is employed as a caretaker at Practical Pistol Club located in Donnington industrial site.
He was arrested on Sunday at 11AM at his workplace after police received a tip off on his illegal activities.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed Nyathi's arrest.
"Police received a tip-off that the suspect was illegally selling ammunition. Police detectives conducted investigations and they found him in possession of 50 live rounds of ammunition. He then led the police to his house where they searched and found 391 rounds of ammunition. He is not licensed to sell ammunition and will be charged," said Asst Insp Msebele.
She warned licensed gun operators to conduct background checks on their employees saying the illegally sold ammunition could be used by armed robbers.
"As police we are dealing with several armed robbery cases and we suspect some of these criminals could be getting their ammunition from people who illegally trade in ammunition. We call on licensed firearms operators to monitor the activities of their employees. The suspect is assisting police with investigations," she said.
The country has been recording a spike in armed robbery cases.
During his Unity Day speech, President Mnangagwa raised concern over gun related crimes saying it has become a national security threat.
"Lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in gun-related crimes. There is a clear upsurge in abuse of firearms, including violent armed robberies. Government now treats this as a grave threat to personal and National Security. Decisive measures have now become necessary to put an end to this growing menace which threatens our otherwise peaceful, law-abiding citizenry," said President Mnangagwa.
Police have on several occasions been involved in shootouts with armed robbers.
In August, police shot and killed three armed robbers following a shootout with a gang that had targeted a house in Four Winds suburb.
Source - The Chronicle
