GQEBERHA, EASTERN CAPE — A major Gqeberha firearm recovery operation has resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of five unlicensed weapons following a targeted police raid in Walmer township. The crime intelligence-driven sweep, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, October 29, 2026, was initially launched to track down a suspect linked to multiple murders in the region.
At approximately 01:00, the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit received tactical backup from the Motherwell and Mount Road Tactical Response Team (TRT). The integrated law enforcement squad was executing a search warrant at a residence on Sigcawu Street. Upon arrival, officers properly identified themselves and presented the warrant to the occupants.
During the premises search, police discovered three men sleeping in a single room with three firearms in their immediate possession. A fourth weapon was located in a separate room, and a fifth firearm was seized as the operation concluded. The four male suspects, whose ages range from 21 to 62, were unable to produce valid firearm licenses and were taken into immediate custody.
The confiscated arsenal highlights the severity of the illegal weapons trade. The recovered exhibits include:
– One PX1022R firearm, which was previously reported stolen in Walmer.
– One disassembled .22 Browning pistol with a filed-off serial number, along with two live rounds of ammunition.
– One Girson MC 19 9mm pistol featuring a filed-off serial number, containing 16 live rounds in its magazine.
– One .38 Special revolver with a filed-off serial number and 24 live rounds of ammunition.
– One MOD 92 firearm.
The suspects are now facing charges of unlawful possession of prohibited and unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, praised the collaborative effort of the tactical and investigative teams.
“The removal of these illegal firearms from our streets is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against violent crime,” Brigadier Ngalo stated. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Detectives are continuing their probe to determine if the arrested individuals have ties to other serious criminal activities within the Gqeberha area.
