FREE STATE – Four suspects have been arrested in Phuthaditjhaba following an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms, ammunition, and a vehicle. The collaborative effort by the Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence Unit and the Public Order Police Unit successfully targeted individuals linked to suspicious activities in the region.
On Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at approximately 21:00, law enforcement officials were dispatched to a local filling station after receiving intelligence regarding two suspicious vehicles that had been parked on the premises for an extended period. This information prompted immediate concern, as the Phuthaditjhaba area had recently experienced a series of business robberies targeting similar filling stations.
Upon the activation of Public Order Police members, the occupants noticed the law enforcement presence, prompting one of the vehicles to depart the filling station. Police initiated a pursuit and successfully intercepted the vehicle, which contained four occupants.
A thorough search of the suspects and the vehicle yielded three 9mm pistols without serial numbers and 49 rounds of ammunition. All four individuals were immediately taken into custody, and the vehicle was seized as evidence.
Subsequent investigative efforts directed authorities to a property in Botshabela Village, allegedly owned by one of the detained suspects. A search of this location uncovered additional ammunition, including R5 rifle rounds and five rounds of pistol ammunition.
The four suspects, aged 32, 43, 44, and 45, have been formally charged with the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. They are scheduled to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 September 2026.
Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, welcomed the successful outcome of the operation. He commended the dedicated police members for their effectiveness in removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminals and enhancing community safety.
