A 25-year-old undocumented foreign national was arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi, after being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The team assigned for the Operation Vala Umgodi as well as Phoenix Security were conducting a disruptive operation when they cornered the suspect at the Pilgrim’s Rest area on Friday, 08 August 2025.
The astute members carried out a search whereby a 9 mm pistol, with about two (02) live ammunition, was recovered. The serial number of the firearm was filed off. It was
during this time when the man was apprehended. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if it was not used in the commission of crime elsewhere.
The suspect was charged for possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition and for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
The suspect appeared at the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 August 2025, and remained in custody he will appear again on Monday, 01 September 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended members for the exceptional work done as proliferation of firearms contributes negatively to violent crimes in the community.
