Breyten gunfire tip-off leads to swift police arrest

A tip-off about gunfire at Wittekrans Farm led officers to an unlicensed weapon and immediate arrest in Breyten.

April 14, 2026

Wayne van der Walt Less than a minute

Musgrave self-loading rifle placed on a table as evidence — A Musgrave self-loading rifle recovered during a police investigation into illegal possession of a firearm.

A 24-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 16 April on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following an incident in Breyten.

Police responded to a tip-off about a gunshot at Wittekrans Farm, where they found the suspect in possession of a Musgrave self-loading rifle, one live round, and one spent cartridge.

The suspect was unable to provide proof of ownership and was immediately arrested.

Handcuffed suspect seen from behind during arrest in Breyten. — A 24-year-old suspect is shown in handcuffs following his arrest in Breyten. Photo: Supplied

Further investigation revealed that the registered owner of the firearm had died in 2020.

Police investigations are continuing.

Members of the public are urged to report cases where firearm owners have passed away, in line with the Firearms Control Act.

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April 14, 2026

Wayne van der Walt Less than a minute

Wayne van der Walt

Wayne van der Walt, with around 15 years in the media industry, is editor of Highvelder Newspaper. His accolades include Frewin Awards for Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, and FCJ Photographer of the Year, among other honours.