Members of the EMPD Intervention Unit, in collaboration with Ekurhuleni SAPS Crime Intelligence, conducted an intelligence-driven operation on October 27 that led to the arrest of a 47-year-old man for possession of explosives, military uniform, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition in Heidelberg.

The operation followed information received about an individual suspected of possessing unlicensed firearms and live ammunition.

Officers obtained a search warrant and proceeded to a plot in the area. Upon arrival, they were met by the man’s wife, who informed officers that her husband was at work.

After being shown the valid search warrant and informed of the purpose of the visit, she allegedly refused them entry.

Access to the premises was further hindered by several dogs on site, prompting the officers to call for assistance from the SAPS and EMPD K9 units to help contain the animals. A short while later, the man arrived, and the search commenced in his presence.

During the search, officers discovered live ammunition in an unmounted safe located upstairs. In the main bedroom, they found 79 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, two 9mm magazines, one R5 magazine, and 25 rounds of R5 live ammunition inside a wardrobe, along with South African National Defence Force military uniform.

A large, unmounted safe was also found locked under the stairs, next to a crate containing 12 various types of lethal explosives.

The SAPS Technical Support Unit was called to drill open the safe, where members recovered a R5 rifle, a handgun, and a 22 rimfire long rifle, along with the following ammunition:

• 684 x 9mm live rounds

• 709 x R5 live rounds

• 22 x short gun rounds

• 400 x 22 live rounds

• 92 x R1 live rounds

Explosives experts and members of the local Criminal Record Centre were called to the scene to process and seize all exhibits.

The man was read his rights and taken into custody at Heidelberg SAPS without incident.

He faces multiple charges and is expected to appear before the Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court.