Ernest Railu (36) appeared before the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Railu was arrested in the early hours of Monday, 09 February 2026, at approximately 00:30, in the Vaalbank policing area.
According to police, members of the Crime Prevention Unit were conducting routine patrols when they observed a suspicious red vehicle bearing Mpumalanga registration plates. Officers stopped the vehicle to conduct a search.
Upon the vehicle being stopped, a passenger seated in the front passenger seat exited the vehicle and fled toward nearby bushes while carrying a black handbag. Police pursued the suspect and apprehended him while he was still in possession of the bag.
A search of the handbag revealed a black revolver with no serial number and nine rounds of live ammunition. Railu was unable to produce a valid firearm licence. The firearm and ammunition were confiscated at the scene as exhibits.
The recovered firearm is to undergo forensic ballistic testing to determine if it was used in the commission of other crimes.
Railu remained in custody following the court appearance. He is scheduled to appear again on 17 February 2026 for a formal bail application.