A MAN sought by the Empangeni and Dundee police for a car hijacking and stolen firearm, was finally caught red-handed while conducting a house robbery in KwaMbonambi.
Members of the KwaMbonambi SAPS were performing operationional duties in the Mgazini Reserve when they received a call-out to a house being robbed last Friday.
According to spokesperson Lieutenant Aubrey Msane, police surrounded the homestead, knocked on the door and identified themselves.
‘The occupant switched on the lights, opened the door and gave the police permission to search the house.
‘Detective Constable MZ Mthethwa found a Norinco pistol under the pillow in the presence of the suspect and when questioned about the firearm, he kept quiet.
‘Mthethwa then offloaded the magazine to find five live ammunition rounds and arrested the man.’
The police also discovered three cell phones which the suspect could not account for, as well as a motor vehicle reported stolen in August in Empangeni.
‘Police were able to check the serial number of the recovered firearm and this was positively identified as stolen in Dundee in February,’ said Msane.
‘The vehicle, firearm, ammunition and cell phones were all seized as exhibits.’
Mzomuhle Chili (26) was charged with house robbery, car hijacking, possession an illegal firearm and possession of illegal ammunition.
However, police are still anticipating more charges while investigating the case.
Chilli will appear in the KwaMbonambi Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
