A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison by the Springs Regional Court following his arrest for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in late 2023.
Seroka Collin Mamalika was apprehended on 27 November 2023 by members of the Springs SAPS Crime Prevention unit. Police acted on intelligence regarding a man allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm at the Gugulethu informal settlement.
Upon arrival at the premises, officers identified themselves to Mamalika and explained the purpose of their visit. A subsequent search of the dwelling led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol hidden under a mattress, along with three live rounds of ammunition.
When questioned, the suspect failed to produce a valid license for the firearm or provide a satisfactory explanation for its possession. He was arrested and detained at the Springs Police Station.
The investigation was conducted by Detective Sergeant Raymond Mogashoa. On 10 February 2026, the Springs Regional Court found Mamalika guilty on both counts. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and five years’ imprisonment for the possession of unlicensed ammunition.
The court ordered that the five-year sentence run concurrently with the ten-year sentence. Additionally, Mamalika was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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