A 42-year-old suspect was arrested in Marite, Calcutta, on the evening of Wednesday, 22 July 2026, after he was found in possession of a rifle and pistol believed to have been used in the commission of serious and violent crimes in the area. The suspect was also found with live rounds of ammunition.
Following the deployment of more members from Crime Intelligence, Crime Detection, Tactical Response Team, K9 Unit, Public Order Policing and other police units, information was received about an individual who was in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Marite, Calcutta.
The information was operationalised, and members of the Tactical Response Team penetrated the house. Inside the house, police found a male and a female.
Upon searching the house, two firearms were discovered: an automatic rifle and a pistol with their serial numbers filed off. Police also recovered live rifle ammunition.
The male suspect, who is the owner of the house, was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to determine whether they were used in the commission of crimes, while the suspect will be profiled to check whether he is linked to other crimes.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the police for their teamwork, the recovery of these firearms and ammunition, and the arrest of the suspect. “The recovery of these firearms and the arrest of the suspect is a significant breakthrough in our fight against violent crime in Calcutta and surrounding areas. These weapons, with filed-off serial numbers, are often used to terrorise communities. We will ensure that ballistic tests are conducted urgently so that we can link them to any outstanding cases. Our message to criminals is clear – we will find you and you will face the full might of the law,” said the General.
Meanwhile, police have opened a case of murder for investigation after a man was found allegedly killed inside a car in Marite on the same night. The victim was found with gunshot wounds.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 24 July 2026.
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