The police have arrested a 15-year old learner and the 37-year old uncle for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Police in Malamulele in Limpopo arrested a 15-year-old boy and his 37-year-old male relative for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Thursday in Mahonisi Village, within the local policing area in Vhembe District.
The arrests followed an incident at a local high school where police were summoned after three live rounds of ammunition were confiscated from a 15-year-old learner on the school premises.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the ammunition belonged to an adult relative of the learner.
Police proceeded to the learner’s residence, where the 37-year-old relative was found. Further investigations led to the recovery of additional ammunition (39 rounds), a firearm concealed in a holster, a magazine, and empty cartridges hidden at various locations in nearby bushes.
The adult suspect was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He is expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 09 February 2026.
The matter against the minor was dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the prompt action by police and school authorities.
“I reiterate that illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, particularly where children are involved, will not be tolerated, as it poses a serious threat to the safety of communities and schools,” she said.