Barely 24 hours after Johan Janse van Rensburg appeared in court, the Hawks raided his Malalane home and office in search of illegal firearms and ammunition.

A group of heavily-armed Mpumalanga Hawks members executed a search warrant on the premises shortly after midday on Wednesday, April 15.

“We can confirm that fewer than 10 members from our office executed a search warrant at both Johan Janse van Rensburg’s residence and office yesterday,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.

“The operation was conducted based on information received from a source, [whose identity] we are unable to disclose, concerning alleged illegal firearms and ammunition,” added Nkosi.

WATCH | Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court remands Zietta Janse van Rensburg in custody

He added that the raid was not related to the current fraud, theft and money laundering charges against Johan.

“Following the execution of the warrant, we can confirm that the information proved to be negative,” said Nkosi.

According to him, all information received by the Hawks is treated with the utmost seriousness, and the Hawks are obligated to act promptly to prevent potential criminal activities.

“We remain committed to serving and protecting the lives and property of all individuals in the Republic of South Africa. As such, we cannot disregard information that may pose a risk to public safety,” said Nkosi.

Also read: Malalane attorneys in court: Zietta remanded, Johan gets bail

The Hawks arrested Johan and his former daughter-in-law, Zietta Janse van Rensburg, on Monday, April 13.

They both appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court the same day facing charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.

Johan was granted R10 000 bail, while Zietta was remanded in custody to continue her bail application the following day. She appeared again but was once more remanded in custody until Wednesday, April 15, when she was granted bail of R6 000.

The matter was postponed to May 14, when both accused are expected to return to court.

Read more: Hawks action deepens Malalane legal saga: Zietta and Johan Janse van Rensburg arrested