A Nigerian national found guilty of dealing in unlicensed firearms and ammunition was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
The 25-year-old Nwachutkwu Chidubem was convicted and sentenced in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 28 June.
Chidubem was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, together with Crime Intelligence (CI), based in Bloemfontein in June 2021.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the police had received reliable information about Chidubem dealing in unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“A sting operation was conducted and the accused was arrested when trying to buy a firearm and ammunition from a police officer,” said Singo.
He said Chidubem had been remanded in custody for the duration of the trial, which culminated in his conviction and sentencing to direct imprisonment.
