Members of the Middelburg Flying Squad were patrolling on the N12 Road as part of Operation Shanela, when they spotted a suspicious looking Toyota Corolla with Gauteng registration number plates.

The vehicle with two occupants were stopped and searched.

Both were nabbed as they failed to produce a firearm licence nor a permit thereof.

Police continued to search the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of a third shotgun with some live ammunition at the back seat.

In the early hours of Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Flying Squad members proceeded with Operation Shanela and it is reported that they spotted a Toyota Hilux bakkie on the N4 Road near Samora Machel turn off.

It is further said that the astute members stopped the said vehicle which was occupied by eight people.

It was during this time when they discovered some copper cables valued at about R150 000 inside the bakkie.

All eight suspects were then arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cables.

They appeared at Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and they have been identified as Njabulo Ndlovu (24), Alex Philip Bolosha (32), Sbongiseni Zikhali (26), Xolani Vincent Makhoba (35), Leno Buns (26), Mandla Atwell Mguni (41), Sipho Justice Shabangu (41), and Nkosana Alex Malgas (40).

During their appearance, the matter was postponed to November 8, 2023 meanwhile the suspects remained in custody.

The police will continue to be on high alert and through Operation Shanela, more successes are achieved and the aim is to reinforce the authority of the state, thereby ensuring that everyone is safe ahead, during and beyond the festive season.