POLOKWANE – Police are investigating a suspected firearm syndicate linked to the disappearance of 88 firearms from a security company in Ladanna, after five of the weapons were recovered from four suspects.

The investigation follows the arrest of former police volunteer and contract worker Modikana Mmapa (27), who is said to have posed as a police firearm inspector to remove the weapons over a three-month period.

Mmapa was arrested by the Polokwane police last Sunday and appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday on a charge of theft.

How he allegedly gained access

Mmapa reportedly became familiar with security companies in the Polokwane industrial area after introducing himself as a firearm inspector attached to Polokwane Police Station. He allegedly told firearm owners that their weapons needed to be taken for inspection.

He had previously served in the Young Civilians on Patrol (Y-Cop) programme and was later employed on a contract basis as a general firearms officer, an administrative position that included renewing firearm and liquor licences.

His contract was terminated in 2024, allegedly in connection with firearm-related matters, but he reportedly continued making contact with firearm owners.

Firearms collected in batches

It is alleged that between May and July this year, Mmapa collected the firearms from the company in batches.

Police investigations have since uncovered what appears to be a distribution network.

5 firearms recovered from 4 suspects

Five firearms allegedly matching those taken by Mmapa were recovered from four Zimbabwean nationals, who are in custody and are expected to appear in court.

The firearms were reportedly sold by another person who is not Mmapa and who remains at large.

Another firearm was recovered from a man who told police he had bought it for R2,000.

Mmapa: ‘The firearms are in someone else’s possession’

Mmapa is said to have told police that he was no longer in possession of any firearms and that they were in someone else’s possession.

Police have also linked two vehicles thought to have been used in the commission of the offence to a Zimbabwean national.

The circumstances surrounding how the firearms were removed and distributed remain under investigation.

Police comment pending

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba had not responded by the time of going to print to questions about the allegations, Mmapa’s previous links to the police and the identity of the affected security company.

His response will be published once received.

Police investigations are continuing.