A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and drugs in the Samora Machel informal settlement near Philippi on Wednesday, 23rd October.

The police’s Anti-Economical and Extortion Crime Task Team found an AK47 assault rifle with 45 rounds of ammunition, five shotgun rounds, and a 9mm pistol. Mandrax tablets and crystal meth were also seized.

Police raided the shack after receiving information about firearms being stored at a premises that is used in crimes of extortion.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once charged.