A coordinated intelligence-driven operation by SAPS Tactical Response Teams (TRT) and Combat units has led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and military-grade equipment in Port St. John’s from 12 to 13 June 2025.

Acting on credible intelligence regarding illegal firearms linked to taxi violence and cash-in-transit robberies, the TRT Recce Team, supported by OR Tambo and Joe Gqabi Combat Teams, executed search warrants at two homesteads in Tombo A/A and Mthumbane.

At the first address (Tombo A/A), a female suspect (46) presented a firearm license for a shotgun and 9mm pistol but failed to produce a competency certificate or valid documentation for ammunition. Her male co-accused, a 52-year-old, was found in possession of an unlicensed shotgun. Exhibits seized are as follows: 1 x Shotgun, 1 x 9mm Pistol, 1 x Pistol Magazine, 33 x 9mm Cartridges and 5 x Shotgun Shells

At the second address in Mthumbane),a 38-year-old female suspect was found with a wooden case containing multiple rifles. She claimed no knowledge of the firearms, stating they belonged to her husband. Exhibits seized are as follows: 10 x AK-47 Rifles, 19 x Magazines, 100 x 7.62 Cartridges,10 x Cleaning Kits, 4 x 9mm Pouches and10 x Oil Canisters.

All three suspects face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and Contravention of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000).

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