Two suspects are expected to appear in a Gauteng court soon after they were arrested for the possession of stolen military firearms during a joint security operation over the weekend.
Police in Gauteng confirmed that two people were arrested following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The suspects were arrested in the Mooiplaas informal settlement in Erasmia, Centurion, on Saturday, June 6.
“Police acted on information regarding firearms allegedly stolen during a burglary at a military facility in April 2026,” police said.
During the operation, members recovered two R4 rifles with ammunition, a replica firearm, and a traffic officer’s uniform.
The recovery comes amid heightened scrutiny over the security of state armories. Incidents of stolen military hardware often fuel violent crime syndicates, making joint operations between SAPS tactical units and the SANDF intelligence division a high priority for national security.
“Cases of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of government property, and contravention of immigration legislation have been opened against the suspects,” police said.
The investigation into the seizure of the stolen firearms is ongoing to determine whether the suspects may be linked to other criminal activities.
