Police recover rifles, handguns and shotgun in Hammanskraal firearm bust
A police operation led to the seizure of eight unlicensed firearms, including rifles and handguns, after searches at two locations. The suspect was arrested and the weapons will be tested to determine if they were used in other crimes.
The police in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, have arrested a 39-year-old suspect and confiscated eight unlicensed firearms during a successful operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons in the Tshwane district.
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the operation was initiated after information was received about the alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition at a smallholding in Hammanskraal.
He said preliminary investigations were conducted to verify the information, after which a search warrant was obtained from the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court.
The identified premises were placed under surveillance as officers worked to establish contact with individuals linked to the property.
“A male suspect believed to have knowledge of the premises was later traced in the area and escorted to the smallholding, where a search was conducted.
“During the search, police discovered and confiscated a significant quantity of ammunition of various calibres, as well as items resembling uniforms of the South African National Defence Force,” said Van Dyk.
He said further investigations led officers to a second property located in a residential complex in Silverton.
Upon arrival, the suspect co-operated with police and pointed out a cupboard in one of the bedrooms, where additional weapons were hidden.
A total of eight firearms were recovered at the second premises, including three handguns, four rifles and one shotgun. All the firearms were seized, and the suspect was immediately arrested.
“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the importance of community co-operation. The recovery of these unlicensed firearms is a significant step in reducing the potential for violent crime in our communities,” said Van Dyk.
The confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they may be linked to other criminal activities.
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Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine urged community members to continue working with police by reporting suspicious activities, noting that public co-operation plays a crucial role in ensuring safer neighbourhoods.
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