Four suspects have been arrested for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition following an intelligence-driven operation by police members in Elukwatini.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Thursday, 27 August 2026, at approximately 04:00, when off-duty Crime Prevention members received information about a taxi allegedly transporting firearms.
The members immediately placed themselves on duty and were provided with a vehicle to trace the suspected taxi, thanks to the Vispol Commander. The information was followed up and subsequently confirmed to be positive.
Police operationalised the information and intercepted a white taxi. The vehicle was stopped and a search was conducted, resulting in the recovery of two rifles as well as about eight rounds of live ammunition.
It was during this period that the four male suspects were apprehended and charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the members for their swift response and the successful recovery of the firearms and ammunition.
“The recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition is a significant contribution towards preventing serious and violent crimes in our communities. We commend our members for acting swiftly on the information received and for ensuring that these firearms do not find their way into the hands of criminals. We also encourage members of the public to continue sharing information with the police, as community cooperation remains vital in our efforts to combat crime and create safer communities,” said the General.
Source South African Police Service
