FREE STATE — An undocumented foreign national is facing serious weapons and immigration charges after being arrested in possession of an unlicensed firearm during a police raid on an illegal shebeen in the Kutlwanong area.
According to Odendaalsrus police spokespersons, the incident unfolded on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at approximately 05:30. Members of the Odendaalsrus Crime Prevention Unit (CPU), working alongside the Community Service Centre (CSC), were conducting routine patrol duties when they identified an unlicensed liquor outlet operating in the K2 location of Kutlwanong.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the establishment was operating illegally and began the process of shutting it down. During the closure operation, police observed a 22-year-old African male behaving suspiciously inside the premises. Officers requested to search the individual, during which they discovered a silver handgun concealed underneath his jacket.
Authorities confirmed that the serial number on the seized firearm had been deliberately filed off. Additionally, six live rounds of ammunition were recovered from the suspect and confiscated as evidence.
The 22-year-old was immediately taken into custody for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Furthermore, investigations revealed that the man is an undocumented foreign national, leading to additional charges for contravening the Immigration Act. He is scheduled to make his first appearance at the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court to face these charges.
In a related outcome of the early morning raid, the operator of the illegal shebeen was issued a fine by law enforcement. All illicit liquor found on the premises was confiscated by the police to prevent further illegal distribution.
