An intelligence-driven operation by members of Operation Lockdown has led to the arrest of a well-known arms dealer from Hermanus and the seizure of a large consignment of unlicensed ammunition.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi of the Western Cape Police’s Provincial Communications Department reported that the operation was executed on Tuesday 19 July at Karwyderskraal.
“During the search of the entire premises they confiscated a consignment of different calibre ammunition,” he said. “A 40-year-old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of unlicensed ammunition as he was not in possession of a valid licence to possess the mentioned ammunition,” Swartbooi stated.
Martin Etsebeth [not the photographer], owner of Overberg Gun and Ammo and Overberg Shooting Academy, appeared in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 20 July on a charge of possession of unlicensed ammunition. He was released on bail of R2 000 and the case was postponed to 13 December for further investigation. A weapons expert has questioned the fact that the suspect was released on bail and that the case had been postponed for such a long period.
“How is it possible that someone facing such serious charges could be released on bail of only R2 000?” he said. “How is it that this man is still allowed to operate his gun shop and the shooting range while facing this charge? His licence to trade should have been suspended until the case has been finalised.
“Why did he have such heavy-calibre ammunition in his possession if he did not have a licence for it? If the ammunition confiscated by the police was left behind by people shooting at the range, the owner should have gathered it and handed it in to the local police station.”
People commenting on a post about the arrest on the South African Police Service Facebook page called for tough action to be taken against the alleged perpetrator.
One person stated: “He must be made to explain where he got it from, where it was destined for and for what reason. The police must squeeze the whole truth out of him as it may well be [people illegally in possession of arms] that are shooting innocent people at taverns and elsewhere.”
Said another: “Doesn’t look like everyday criminal ammo but more like a sport shooter/hunter or someone that reloads ammunition as a hobby. But if you’re not licensed you shouldn’t have it, and the law is clear on that.” Another wrote: “Well done to our law enforcement officers, this is a lot of ammunition, please keep him behind bars, no bail until he reveals his source and detectives finalise the investigation, [so] keep remanding for further investigation.”