EASTERN CAPE – An intelligence-driven operation in Lusikisiki has led to the arrest of a 35-year-old male suspect for the unlawful possession of prohibited homemade firearms and live ammunition. The apprehension underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to curb the circulation of illegal weapons in the region.
The coordinated effort, involving Port St Johns Crime Intelligence members and the Lusikisiki-based OR Tambo District Task Team, culminated in the Magoba locality. According to a spokesperson for the OR Tambo District Task Team, the operation was initially launched in Ntabankulu, within the Alfred Nzo District, before successfully tracking the identified suspect to Lusikisiki in the OR Tambo District.
The arrest was executed on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at approximately 03:30. During the subsequent search, authorities recovered three prohibited homemade firearms—specifically two shotguns and one handgun—along with three live shotgun shells from the suspect’s possession.
The spokesperson confirmed that the suspect was immediately taken into custody following the recovery of the weapons. He is expected to appear before the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court in the near future to face formal charges of unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and unlawful possession of live ammunition.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to acting on actionable intelligence to dismantle illegal firearms networks and ensure community safety across the district.
