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Cape Town — A former police colonel, who was arrested after stealing and selling guns to gangsters on the Cape Flats, was yesterday sentenced to an effective 18 years behind bars.

Chris Prinsloo (55) entered a plea and sentence agreement with the State after being arrested on 11 charges ranging from theft to racketeering and money laundering. He appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.

The Vereeniging policeman was, according to police, behind the arming of gangsters primarily in the province’s gang-ridden communities.

He was arrested in January last year and resigned shortly thereafter.

According to the State, Prinsloo — who had 35 years experience in the force — was part of a group of criminals who stole guns and ammunition destined for destruction and resold them, primarily to gangs on the Cape Flats. Prinsloo was in charge of the armoury.

He is said to have raked in R2m over a period of eight years. A total of 2,400 guns were stolen.

When Prinsloo was arrested, he was found in possession of 400 firearm magazines and 10,000 rounds of ammunition.  — News24.