Police in Limpopo have welcomed the 15-year sentence given to 53-year-old Matarapane Samuel Mokonyane who was found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Image: SAPS
Police in Limpopo have welcomed the 15-year sentence given to 53-year-old Matarapane Samuel Mokonyane who was found guilty of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Mokonyane was arrested on July 23, 2021 after police, acting on a tip-off regarding an alleged planned armed robbery intercepted a white Ford Ranger on the R579 road between Motetema and Groblersdal in the Sekhukhune District.
Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the possession of Mokonyane who was a passenger in the vehicle. He was arrested and later appeared in court, where he was granted bail.
However, on March 5, 2025 Mokonyane appeared before the Nebo Regional Court and was found guilty on several charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
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Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for their hard work and commitment to justice, adding that the sentence will send a strong message that law enforcement remains steadfast in removing illegal firearms from communities in the province.
"This conviction sends a strong message that law enforcement remains steadfast in removing illegal firearms from our communities," said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
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