As gun violence, hijackings, and organised crime continue to plague South African communities, police have made a significant breakthrough in Meyersdal, busting an alleged firearm trafficking syndicate operating across provinces.

Two men believed to be part of the syndicate were arrested following an intelligence-driven police operation in Meyersdal on Monday evening, July 28.

The operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team, involved several specialised units, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU), Johannesburg K9, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and private security companies.

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According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrests followed days of surveillance and information gathering across multiple provinces. Officers moved in after the suspects were seen collecting firearms.

“During the takedown in Meyersdal, officers recovered 30 unlicensed 9mm firearms from the suspects, aged 34 and 45,” said Mathe.

Police believe the firearms were destined for the Western Cape and that the suspects had planned to transport the weapons themselves.

Both suspects have been linked to various other criminal cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

They remain in custody and are facing multiple charges, including the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms.

Further investigations are underway to trace more members of the syndicate.

The Alberton Record will provide updates as the case develops.

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