Unlock this story — it’s free
SAPS arrested four men in Graaff-Reinet after tracking a vehicle believed to be carrying illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation took place on Saturday night, 29 November 2025, following an interprovincial intelligence alert from the Western Cape.
Guns and Ammunition Found in Vehicle
The alert came from SAPS Crime Intelligence in the Western Cape. Officers warned Eastern Cape members about a white VW Polo travelling from Vredenburg with four suspects and possible illegal weapons.
Sarah Baartman District Task Team members began searching immediately. At 20:35, they spotted the vehicle matching the description in Graaff-Reinet.
Police stopped the car on Parsonage Street and searched it. Inside the glove compartment, officers found a plastic container with 17 live rounds of ammunition.
They also discovered two unlicensed 9mm pistols hidden in a navy jacket hanging behind the driver’s seat. A separate plastic bag inside the jacket contained 47 more rounds.
Officers arrested all four occupants on the spot.
Charges and Investigation
The men face two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police also seized the vehicle for further forensic checks.
Detectives are now profiling the suspects. According to SAPS, the group may be linked to at least one serious crime in the Western Cape.
The suspects, aged 32 to 35, will appear in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate’s Court soon.
Community Impact
Police say the arrests show strong cooperation between SAPS units across provinces. The operation removed dangerous weapons that could have been used in crimes during the busy festive season.
Residents welcomed the arrest, saying SAPS visibility gives them confidence as year-end crime risks increase.
