Pretoria, South Africa – The Russian national (Tal Kats,51)busted with “enough artillery to start a mini-war” has told the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court he intends to apply for bail as soon as possible.

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

He was arrested following the raid of his Wierdabrug home on Wednesday by members of the SAPS K9 unit, who discovered rocket launchers, AK-47s, R1 rifles, pistols, revolvers, a crossbow and scores of ammunition boxes.

Following the raid, Acting Police Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said:“He can start a mini-war if he so wishes. We are worried because he has rocket launchers. Why do you keep launchers that can shoot down helicopters?”

Plants uncovered at a drug lab, at a house in Wierdabrug outside of Pretoria. Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

Kats is to remain in custody until his next court appearance on Tuesday.