A coordinated two-day operation targeting illicit mining activities in the North West province resulted in the arrest of a 39-year-old man on charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and dealing in drugs.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, and Thursday, 12 March 2026, by a multi-disciplinary team. The team comprised the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence (CI) Provincial Overt Operations, CI Provincial Counter Narcotics, K9 Hartbeespoortdam, and the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT).
Authorities confiscated several items from the suspect, including a 9mm firearm and a magazine containing ammunition. The firearm had been reported stolen in Brits during 2024.
In addition to the weapon, law enforcement seized various narcotics. The confiscated drugs include dagga with an estimated street value of R1,000, nyaope valued at approximately R84,400, and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R13,200.
The 39-year-old suspect faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, dealing in drugs, and possession of suspected illegal substances. He is scheduled to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 March 2026.
