EASTERN CAPE — A 60-year-old Mthatha businessman arrested in connection with severe regulatory breaches is facing additional legal consequences after authorities seized 140 firearms from his security company. The recent compliance inspection at the firm’s head office uncovered widespread violations of the Firearms Control Act, compounding the owner’s existing legal troubles.
Operation Buyisa Inspection Uncovers Major Discrepancies
The arrest follows a targeted compliance inspection conducted earlier this week by the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the head office of the businessman’s security company. During the operation, members of OPERATION BUYISA discovered that the businessman was in possession of a company-registered firearm without the legally required permit.
This specific violation constitutes a direct contravention of Section 3(1)(a) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
According to SAPS spokespersons and officials from OPERATION BUYISA, the inspection revealed significant discrepancies in the company’s inventory. Investigators established that multiple firearms registered under the security company’s name were not properly accounted for in the business’s official stock register.
As a result of the audit, a total of 140 firearms were seized by law enforcement. Furthermore, an additional 135 firearms remain completely unaccounted for, prompting further investigation into the missing weapons.
Suspect Already on Bail for Attempted Murder of Police Officer
The firearms violations are not the suspect’s first run-in with the law this year. SAPS spokespersons noted that the 60-year-old is currently out on bail in connection with a separate, highly serious incident that occurred in July 2026.
He is facing charges of attempted murder involving a police official. It is alleged that the suspect discharged a firearm inside a tent during a traditional occasion, which resulted in an off-duty police officer sustaining a gunshot wound.
Upcoming Court Appearance and Ballistic Testing
Following this week’s compliance inspection and subsequent arrest, the accused is scheduled to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. The primary focus of this appearance will be a formal bail application regarding the newly uncovered Firearms Control Act violations.
Meanwhile, the 140 seized firearms have been handed over to forensic experts. SAPS spokespersons confirmed that the weapons will undergo comprehensive ballistic testing. This crucial forensic step aims to establish whether any of the seized firearms have been utilized in the commission of other serious and violent crimes in the region.
Ongoing Crackdown on Firearm Proliferation
The arrest highlights a broader, ongoing strategy by law enforcement to regulate the private security and firearms sectors. SAPS continues to conduct rigorous compliance inspections across the province. These proactive measures are designed to ensure strict adherence to the Firearms Control Act, ultimately aiming to prevent the proliferation and unlawful use of firearms in the community.
