BITYI – An intelligence driven operation conducted by Mthatha based OR Tambo District Task Team on Monday, 27 October 2025 from 02:00 until 04:00 in Bityi neighbouring localities led to the recovery of three unlicensed 9mm pistols, all with erased serial numbers with three male suspects aged between 21 and 36 years arrested.
The first suspect aged 21 was arrested at about 02:30 at Ntilini locality – Mthentu A/A and in his possession, a 9mm Beretta pistol with ammunition was recovered and the team proceeded to Mabheleni locality and recovered an unlicensed 9mm Star Pistol with ammunition from a 32-year-old male suspect. The team arrested the last suspect aged 36 also in Mabheleni locality, found with a 9mm Girsan pistol with ammunition. All the three suspects had no valid, legal documents to possess such firearms. The Bityi trio is due to appear before Bityi Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 facing their respective charges.
OR Tambo Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Vukile Ntuli commended the members for their good work and tirelessly removing unlicensed/prohibited firearms in the streets and villages of OR Tambo District.
