Port St. John’s, Eastern Cape – A high-intensity police operation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Teams (TRT) and Combat units has resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and military-grade equipment. The intelligence-driven raids, conducted between 12 and 13 June 2025, targeted properties linked to taxi violence and cash-in-transit robberies.
Operation Details
Acting on credible intelligence, the TRT Recce Team, supported by the OR Tambo and Joe Gqabi Combat Teams, executed search warrants at two homesteads in Tombo A/A and Mthumbane.
First Raid: Tombo A/A
At the first location, officers confronted a 46-year-old woman who presented a firearm license for a shotgun and 9mm pistol but failed to produce a competency certificate or valid documentation for ammunition. A 52-year-old male co-accused was found in possession of an unlicensed shotgun.
Items seized:
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1 x Shotgun
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1 x 9mm Pistol
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1 x Pistol Magazine
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33 x 9mm Cartridges
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5 x Shotgun Shells
Second Raid: Mthumbane
At the second property, a 38-year-old woman was found with a wooden case containing multiple rifles. She denied ownership, claiming they belonged to her husband.
Items seized:
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10 x AK-47 Rifles
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19 x Magazines
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100 x 7.62 Cartridges
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10 x Cleaning Kits
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4 x 9mm Pouches
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10 x Oil Canisters
Charges and Court Appearance
All three suspects face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and contravention of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). They are expected to appear before the Port St. John’s Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
Police Leadership Applauds Success
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, praised the operation, stating:
“This operation underscores SAPS’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that terrorize our communities. The seizure of weapons, especially military-style rifles, disrupts planned violent crimes and enhances public safety. We urge communities to report illegal firearms anonymously via Crime Stop.”
The successful raids highlight SAPS’s ongoing efforts to curb firearms proliferation and organized crime in the Eastern Cape.
