FIREARMS THEFT ACCUSED GET 35YEARS IMPRISONMENT

The Kimberley Regional Court has sentenced a 35-year-old man to 35 years imprisonment for his role in the theft of firearms and ammunition at Petrusville police station in November 2023. Benjamin Motsoane pleaded guilty to all the charges. Five of his accomplices who include two police sergeants who were stationed at the robbed police station will continue with their trial in November. Hawks spokesperson, Tebogo Thebe says the firearms were recovered in the Free State at Senekal and Marquad.

"The accused was sentenced as follows, count 1 of theft of firearms and ammunition, (10) years imprisonment. Count 2 of unlawful possession of a firearm without a licence, (5) years imprisonment. Count 3 of unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm – fully automatic firearm without a licence, (13) years imprisonment. count 4 of unlawful possession of ammunition, (2) years imprisonment. Count 5: contravention of section 4 (a) and or (b), read with sections 1 and 8 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), act 121 of 1998, (5) years imprisonment," said Thebe.