Municipality employee released on warning after firearm arrest in Ezibeleni

The pistol with the serial number filed off and a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition found by Eastern Cape police when they arrested a municipal employee.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested after brandishing a pistol at employees of a spaza shop in the Eastern Cape.

Police said Malibongwe Xelisilo, a municipal employee, was released on warning by the EZibeleni Magistrate's Court for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said: “Xelisilo was arrested by Ilinge Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) members on August 31 for allegations of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition after Ilinge CPU members received information about a male threatening to shoot spaza employees who questioned him for always visiting the shop for compliance while intoxicated.”

“The suspect, Xelisilo, forcefully tried to close the shop and customers intervened. He allegedly went to his car to fetch his firearm. He reportedly took out his firearm but could not shoot, but later fled the scene.”

The shop owner reported the incident, providing police with the vehicle's description. Officers spotted and stopped the car, introduced themselves, and requested to conduct a search.

During a search, police found a Norinco firearm with a filed-off serial number and a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition.

Xelisilo was arrested and charged for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He appeared in the EZibeleni Magistrate's Court on September 2, was released on a warning, and the case was postponed to October 23 to allow for further investigation.

Commending the Ilinge Police officers for their prompt response, District Commissioner Major-General Rudolph Adolph strongly denounced the municipal official's alleged unprofessional and criminal behaviour.