Ex-Saps major general granted bail for unlawful possession of ammunition

Former South African Police Service (Saps) Major General Ntsumbedzeni Mulungani Mphego has been granted bail for the unlawful possession of more than 100 rounds of police issued ammunition, including R5 and 9mm ammunition.

Mphego’s arrest on Tuesday follows a search-and-seizure operation conducted by members of the Saps National Cold Case Unit at the suspect’s Centurion residence on 6 July 2026.

Raid

During the operation, investigators also seized documents and electronic devices believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi.

Mphego, 57, is a suspect in that investigation.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the discovery of more than 100 rounds of ammunition raised serious concerns, particularly because the suspect had left the Saps more than a decade ago.

“The former general exited the South African Police Service in 2009, and there are no lawful reasons for him to be in possession of Saps-issued ammunition. The matter is being investigated, and all evidence collected during the search operation will form part of the ongoing investigation,” said Mathe.

Mphego is alleged to have owned the ammunition without the required permit or authorisation. His legal team said they planned to challenge this claim.

Charge

The 57-year-old appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday facing a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition in contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The state didn’t oppose bail, and Mphego was released on bail of R5 000. The court postponed the case to 3 November for disclosure of the contents of the docket.

Mathe said the arrest demonstrates the police’s commitment to ensuring accountability regardless of a person’s former rank or position within the organisation.

“No one is above the law. The Saps National Cold Case Unit continues to pursue all leads in serious and unresolved cases, and where criminal conduct is identified, decisive action will be taken,” she said.

Justice system

Mathe reiterated that the Saps remains committed to protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system.

“Our investigators will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads. We remain steadfast in ensuring that those who contravene the law are brought before the courts,” she said.

The court appearance marked the beginning of what could become a closely watched legal process given the suspect’s former senior position within the police service and the investigation’s connection to the murder of a top-ranking officer.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to prosecuting matters without fear, favour, or prejudice and to ensuring that the law takes its course,” NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said.

Additional reporting by Chulumanco Mahamba