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A 51-year-old man from Bambisana locality in the OR Tambo District has been arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe police officers while in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday morning, 29 April 2026, at around 09:00 by members of the Lusikisiki SAPS District Task Team. Police confirmed that the man was found with a 9mm pistol with an erased serial number as well as ammunition, with no legal documentation to justify ownership. According to authorities, the suspect allegedly offered officers R5,000 to avoid arrest. The bribery attempt was unsuccessful, and an additional charge of attempted bribery has since been added to his case.
The OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, welcomed the arrest and praised the officers involved for upholding ethical standards. He commended the team for refusing the bribe, outlining their commitment to integrity and the organisation’s code of conduct.
Police further revealed that the suspect is linked to previous cases involving multiple charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms dating back to 2024 and 2025. However, these earlier allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the suspect remains innocent until proven guilty.
The accused is expected to appear before the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court soon, where he will face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and attempted bribery.
The arrest has raised ongoing concerns about illegal firearms circulating in local communities, with residents in the OR Tambo District continuing to call for stricter enforcement and visible policing to improve safety.
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