South African Police arrest two suspects over unlicensed firearms, ammunition

Africa, Crime Diary

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two men in separate operations for alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal possession of ammunition in the Western Cape.

In Citrusdal, a 39-year-old man was arrested after police recovered two unlicensed firearms and 149 rounds of ammunition of various calibres at Park 55 on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

According to a statement by SAPS, officers attached to Citrusdal Police acted on information about the alleged presence of unlicensed firearms at about 1:30 a.m.

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The officers immediately proceeded to the suspect’s address and conducted a search, which led to the recovery of the firearms and ammunition.

The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance at the Lamberts Bay Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 31.

Meanwhile, police officers in Philippi East also confiscated an unlicensed firearm and 16 rounds of ammunition during a stop-and-search operation at Road 35, Better Life, on Friday, August 28.

A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with the alleged illegal possession of the firearm and ammunition.

The second suspect is also expected to appear before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 31.

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service to remove illegal firearms and ammunition from communities and strengthen the fight against violent crime.