The Tactical Response Teams (TRT) deployed in the Alfred Nzo and Joe Gqabi Districts, together with their Reece team, jointly arrested a 34-year-old male suspect from Bhukuqweni locality, KwaNyathi A/A, for possession of two unlicensed firearms during a search-and-seizure operation conducted on Thursday, 26 February and Friday, 27 February 2026.
Equipped with a search warrant for illegal firearms and ammunition, the tactical team proceeded to the suspect’s residence, where they recovered an R4 assault rifle with an erased serial number, along with two magazines loaded with a total of sixty-six live rounds of ammunition. They also recovered a 9mm Norinco pistol with an intact serial number and eight live rounds of ammunition.
A firearm circulation check revealed that the pistol was linked to a Marikana case registered in February 2023 for theft.
The 34-year-old male suspect was arrested on the spot, as he could not provide legal proof (a licence) of ownership of the firearms. He is expected to appear before the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 02 March 2026 on charges of unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“We will continue, as police, to fight the proliferation of unlicensed and prohibited firearms in the district, as they are often used to terrorise our communities during the commission of serious and violent crimes,” said Major General Norman Modishana, while applauding all police members involved in the operation. #GunsOffTheStreets
