A 27-year-old man has appeared in the Storms River Magistrate’s Court after he was caught red-handed transporting a suspected stolen firearm to Port Elizabeth.
Stavis Papane‚ from Mqanduli near Mthatha‚ was arrested during a routine roadblock on the N2 near Tsitsikmma on Monday.
Police spokesman Sergeant Majola Nkohli said that Papane boarded a taxi in George and was en route to Port Elizabeth when police stopped it at the roadblock.
“While searching the vehicle and its occupants‚ the suspect was found to be hiding the firearm in his pants.”
Nkohli added that the firearm had the serial numbers filed off and six bullets in the magazine. “Some of the bullets were wrapped in plastic‚” Nkohli said.
“The firearm has been sent to the ballistic unit for testing‚ which will allow detectives to ascertain if it is linked to other crimes and when or where it was stolen.”
Nkohli said that detectives were currently assessing if Papane was wanted or had any pending cases.
Papane will remain in custody until next week when he is scheduled to reappear in the same court.
TMG Digital/HeraldLIVE
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
