EASTERN CAPE — A dangerous pursuit along the coastal highway has culminated in a significant Port Alfred illegal firearms arrest, after joint law enforcement units intercepted a reckless motorist and uncovered a stash of defaced, unregistered weapons. The swift collaboration between local traffic authorities and specialized police units successfully removed both a hazardous driver and untraceable handguns from the streets.
The incident was initiated on the afternoon of Monday, 10 August 2026, at approximately 13:30. Patrols from the Ndlambe Traffic Department were monitoring the R72 corridor between Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred when they spotted a white Volkswagen Polo being driven with blatant disregard for public safety. According to officials, the motorist was aggressively overtaking other vehicles across solid barrier lines and ignoring multiple stop signs. Compounding the suspicion, the vehicle was missing its front registration plate.
Recognizing the severe threat the driver posed to other commuters, traffic officers immediately requested urgent backup. Members of the SAPS Port Alfred Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) rapidly deployed to the scene, working in tandem with the traffic department to safely corner and halt the targeted vehicle.
Upon approaching the car, officers made contact with the 32-year-old male driver, who was the only person inside. After securing the scene, the suspect granted police consent to search the automobile. While an inspection of the vehicle’s boot yielded nothing out of the ordinary, a meticulous sweep of the cabin’s interior exposed a clever concealment tactic. Built into a secret drawer directly beneath the driver’s seat, investigators discovered two pistols alongside two loaded magazines.
To properly process the crime scene, the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) was dispatched to the R72. Forensic experts quickly determined that the serial numbers on both confiscated firearms had been deliberately filed off, a hallmark technique used by criminal syndicates to prevent weapons from being traced to their origins or previous owners.
The 32-year-old suspect was immediately placed under arrest and formally charged with the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The seized pistols and magazines have been sealed in exhibit bags and are slated for transfer to a forensic science laboratory. There, ballistic experts will conduct comprehensive testing to ascertain whether the weapons were previously utilized in other violent crimes across the region.
The accused remains in custody and is expected to face the charges during an upcoming appearance at the Port Alfred Magistrate’s Court.
