The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Hammanskraal has arrested a 39-year-old man and recovered eight unlicensed firearms following an intelligence-driven operation, police announced.
The operation was initiated after police received information regarding the alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition at a smallholding in Hammanskraal. Preliminary investigations were conducted to verify the information, after which a search warrant was obtained from the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court. The identified premises were placed under surveillance to establish contact with the occupants.
Investigators traced a 39-year-old male suspect, believed to have knowledge of and links to the property, in the area. He was escorted to the main house on the smallholding, where a search was conducted. During the search, a significant quantity of ammunition of various calibres and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform items were discovered and confiscated.
Further preliminary investigations at the scene led to the identification of a second premises located within a complex in Silverton. Upon arrival, the suspect cooperated with investigators and pointed out a cupboard in a bedroom, where a total of eight firearms were recovered: three handguns, four rifles, and one shotgun. All firearms were confiscated.
The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Pretoria Central Court on Friday, 27 March 2026.
The recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic analysis to determine whether they may be linked to any criminal activities.
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