Pretoria North police nab suspect with illegal rifle and pistol
The suspect was apprehended on the morning of April 24 after police acted on a tip-off regarding illegal firearms at a residence in the rural area.
A 41–year–old man is expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, after his arrest for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Honingnestkraans, near Onderstepoort.
Police acted on a tip–off on the morning of 24 April and mounted a coordinated operation involving detectives, the Crime Prevention Unit and the Soshanguve K9 Unit to trace the suspect and search the property.
During the search officers recovered an automatic rifle, a 9mm pistol, a shotgun butt, live rounds of ammunition and used cartridges.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and detained at Pretoria North Police Station.
Pretoria North SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Tumisang Moloto confirmed the arrest and seizure, saying the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal firearms in the area.
“Following a tip–off, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to trace and locate the suspect. Upon searching the premises, police recovered an automatic rifle, a pistol, and ammunition. The suspect was immediately arrested and detained,” he said.
A case of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition has been opened, and investigations are under way to establish whether the recovered weapons are linked to other serious or violent crimes in the region.
Moloto said illegal firearms remain a significant driver of violent crime and removing such weapons from communities is a policing priority.
The suspect is expected to formally face charges at his court appearance, where further details may emerge as investigations continue.
Police have urged the public to report suspicious activity, saying community cooperation is crucial to combating crime and keeping neighbourhoods safe.
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