South African Police Service (SAPS) members deployed under the Pilgrim’s Rest Illicit Mining Operation Team, in coordination with Sabie Detectives, conducted an operation on Monday, 18 May 2026, in the Sabie policing area. The operation was based on information received during ongoing investigations.
During the operation, police recovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the firearm had previously been reported stolen in Sabie.
Police investigations further revealed that the suspect linked to the theft of the firearm had already been arrested and detained on charges related to the theft. During further questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators that he had thrown the firearm into nearby bushes after the incident.
Acting on the information provided, officers conducted a search operation, leading to the successful recovery of the stolen firearm and ammunition.
The recovered firearm will undergo further forensic processes as part of the ongoing investigation.