Cops, gangster due in court over firearm licences

THREE police members from the Central Firearm Registry in Pretoria are expected to appear in a Cape Town court today alongside a top Cape gangster in connection with their alleged involvement in a major syndicate linked to fraudulently issued firearm licences.

The three police members, believed to be part of an intricate network which operates in at least two provinces, face charges including fraud, corruption and racketeering.

They were arrested, along with a senior member of the notorious 26s gang and two other Cape Town residents, during the first phase of a widespread police operation.

National police commissioner Riah Phiyega said yesterday more arrests were expected to follow later. The six were arrested over the last few days.

National police spokesman General Solomon Makgale said the syndicate included several parties involved in the issuing of firearm licences – "from the initial application, the firearm training facility involved, to the Olifantsfontein police station in Midrand, Gauteng, where the applications are lodged and the SAPS Central Firearm Registry in Pretoria where the applications are approved".

Phiyega said the arrests of the police members followed an ongoing probe that had resulted in a number of members being charged internally and a brigadier being dismissed. - Caryn Dolley