- Four individuals arrested in firearm operations: Police operations across Eastern Cape led to the arrest of four suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, with charges pending court appearances.
- Major firearm seizures in Mqanduli: The District Task Team, supported by Crime Intelligence, raided two homes in Mqanduli, resulting in the confiscation of a shotgun, assault rifle, pistol, and ammunition, and the arrest of suspects aged 24 to 60.
- Ongoing efforts by Mthatha and Mounted Units: The Mthatha Public Order Policing and Mounted Unit conducted successful operations, including executing a search warrant and conducting a vehicle checkpoint, leading to firearm recoveries and arrests.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, has commended police members for recovering six unlicensed firearms with ammunition and arresting four suspects in a series of operations over the past 24 hours.
In the early hours of Monday, 11 August 2025, Mthatha Public Order Policing (POP) members executed a search warrant at a house in Ngcolokini locality, seizing two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. One firearm was confirmed stolen in Qumbu in May 2022. A 40-year-old man was arrested on two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
On Sunday evening, 10 August, the Mounted Unit conducted a vehicle checkpoint on the R411 near Ngcanasini locality. A 33-year-old driver was found with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and taken into custody.
Later the same day, the OR Tambo District Task Team, supported by Crime Intelligence, raided two homes in Mcombothi locality, Mqanduli. At the first property, officers confiscated a shotgun, a .303 assault rifle, and ammunition, arresting a 60-year-old man. At the second, a 9mm pistol with a filed-off serial number and ammunition were recovered, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old man.
All suspects, aged between 24 and 60, face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and are expected to appear in their respective magistrates’ courts today.
