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

NGQELENI - The Tactical Response Team in OR Tambo District with its Reece team conducted a search and seizure operation in Qhokama locality, Ngqeleni, on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 at about 00:00 with search warrants on identified targets. They arrested two male suspects aged 31 and 37 for unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

A Shotgun (erased serial number) with ammunition/shells was recovered from the 31-year-old male suspect’s homestead. The team proceeded to the homestead of the 37-year-old where a Shotgun and a 9mm CZ pistol (both with erased serial numbers) with ammunition were recovered. Both suspects had no licence to possess such firearms and were immediately arrested.

The duo will appear before Ngqeleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 14 August 2025 on charges of unlawful possession of unlicensed firearm/s and ammunition.

We will continue to fight the proliferation of unlicensed/prohibited firearms in the district as they are used to terrorise our communities through serious and violent crimes committed against them", said Major General Norman Modishana, OR Tambo District Commissioner. He also applauded the Tactical Response Team on their arrest of suspects and recovering of the unlicensed firearms.

Ends

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