EASTERN CAPE — OR Tambo police have arrested a 56-year-old Flagstaff man for the unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a targeted, intelligence-driven operation. The early morning intervention successfully removed an illegal 9mm pistol and live rounds from the streets, reinforcing regional efforts to combat the circulation of prohibited weapons.
The apprehension was executed by Flagstaff police in the Thembeni locality at approximately 00:15 on Saturday, 18 July 2026. During the tactical search, authorities discovered the suspect in possession of the unregistered 9mm pistol alongside 15 rounds of live ammunition.
Subsequent tracing of the weapon’s history revealed that the firearm originally belonged to a deceased man residing in Germiston, Gauteng. Investigators noted that the weapon had never been officially reported as stolen prior to its recovery in the district.
The suspect now faces formal charges of unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He is scheduled to make his first appearance at the Flagstaff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 July 2026.
