Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

MTHATHA - Crime Prevention members of the Mthatha Central Police Station continued their efforts to eradicate unlicensed and illegal firearms with the arrest of a 30-year-old male suspect from Slovo Park, Mthatha, on Friday, 24 April 2026, at approximately 10:30.

The members acted on intelligence indicating that the suspect was in possession of an unlicensed firearm. Upon locating him, the suspect was found in unlawful possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with an erased serial number, as well as one live round of ammunition.

The suspect was arrested on the spot and he is scheduled to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, on charges of unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, welcomed the arrest and reiterated that the eradication of such firearms is essential, as they are often used in the commission of serious and violent crimes.
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