Eastern Cape police have arrested four men in two separate intelligence-led operations in Flagstaff and Lusikisiki, recovering three unlicensed firearms and rounds of ammunition. The operations were carried out between 10 and 11 September 2025, as part of efforts to clamp down on gun-related crime in the OR Tambo District.
What Happened
Flagstaff Arrest – One Suspect Caught with Shotgun and Assault Rifle Ammo
In a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 03:50, police arrested a 44-year-old man in Upper Qhoqho, Luqoqweni A/A, near Flagstaff. The joint operation was conducted by Port St John’s Crime Intelligence, Flagstaff Vispol, and the District Task Team.
The suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed shotgun and a variety of ammunition, including R1 and AK-47 rounds. He could not produce legal documentation for any of the items and will appear in Flagstaff Magistrate’s Court soon.
Lusikisiki Arrest – Three Suspects En Route to Commit Robbery
In a separate operation on Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 00:30, three male suspects aged 25 to 26 were stopped by police between Port St John’s and Lusikisiki, near France locality. Intelligence suggested they were headed to Flagstaff to carry out a planned business robbery.
Inside the vehicle, officers found two unlicensed 9mm pistols. One pistol had its serial number filed off, while the other was traced to a robbery case in Mthatha (August 2024).
The trio has been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and was expected to appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 12 September 2025.
Official Response
Major General Norman Modishana, OR Tambo District Commissioner, praised the officers involved in both operations.
“These seizures are a result of relentless intelligence gathering and solid teamwork. The removal of unlicensed firearms from our communities is critical in our fight against violent crime,” said Modishana.
The SAPS confirmed that further investigations are ongoing and that ballistic tests will be conducted to establish links to other crimes.
Community Impact
Illegal firearms are a growing concern in rural and semi-urban areas of the Eastern Cape. These arrests mark a significant step in disrupting the flow of unlicensed weapons used in business robberies and gang-related violence.
Residents in both Flagstaff and Lusikisiki have welcomed the swift police action and called for ongoing visible policing and intelligence-driven interventions.
FAQ
Why are R1 and AK-47 rounds concerning?
These types of ammunition are typically used in military-grade weapons and indicate possible access to high-powered firearms, raising safety concerns.
Will more arrests follow?
Police have not ruled out further arrests as investigations into the origins of the firearms continue.
Is there a link between the two incidents?
The operations were separate, but both are part of SAPS’s broader intelligence strategy across OR Tambo District.
