Gunshots at funeral: Mourners arrested for firing guns during funeral proceedings
Police officers arrest two suspects after firearms were allegedly discharged during a funeral in the Tonga area, Mpumalanga, during a festive season operation.
Image: SAPS
Two men aged 35 and 40 were arrested after allegedly discharging firearms during a funeral in the Tonga area, Mpumalanga, police said on Monday.
The arrests were made on Friday during a multidisciplinary festive season operation at Naas, near Nelspruit.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said the operation was carried out after the crime intelligence unit received information that members of a group suspected of terrorising communities in Naas and surrounding areas planned to fire guns during the burial of one of their associates.
“Members were strategically deployed to observe and prevent illegal and unruly behaviour that could endanger the lives of innocent people attending the funeral,” Nonyane-Mpe said.
Police observed suspects firing shots at the cemetery and moved in, identifying two individuals from separate vehicles. Both suspects were tactically approached and arrested at the scene.
One of the suspects was found in possession of a shotgun and two empty magazines. Although the firearm is licenced, police said the owner allegedly contravened the Firearms Control Act by discharging it in a public place.
Two mourners were arrested for firing guns during funeral proceedings in Mpumalanga
Image: SAPS
The second suspect was found with a 9mm pistol, a magazine, and 165 live rounds of ammunition.
The two men were charged with offences relating to the unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place and were expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi praised officers involved in the operation for their swift action.
“Firearms in the wrong hands are hazardous and deadly. We urge members of the community to consider the danger of firearms and always put the safety of other citizens first,” Mkhwanazi said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News