Ex-soldier Oliver Hinckson’s gun and ammunition charge was yesterday dismissed by Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson, four years after he was charged.
Hinckson and the late James Gibson were charged on June 6, 2006 with having a .38 pistol, 12 .38 rounds and 26 12-gauge shotgun cartridges at Lot 115 Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt and each placed on $75,000 bail by then Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys. Gibson died in a confrontation with police in 2008.
Wanted bulletins were issued for the men following the disappearance of 30 AK-47s in 2006.
The duo was caught two months after. Police acting on a tip swooped on the South Ruimveldt house around 2 pm on June 6. During the search of the premises, the illegal items were reportedly found.
The two men were taken to army headquarters before being handed over to police.
The trial began two months later.
Hinckson gave thanks to God and his attorneys after the judgment was handed down. He is to return to Court 2 on February 18 where his sedition case continues.
He was charged with advocating a terrorist act and uttering a seditious statement on March 11, 2008. He was not required to plead to the charges.