Four suspects, aged between 22 and 42, were arrested in the Ehlanzeni District on Sunday, June 8, 2026, in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The arrests were executed at approximately 01:30 by a joint law enforcement task team comprising the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team, Tonga Visible Policing (VISPOL), Crime Intelligence, and Tonga Detectives. Following a tactical approach, police searched the suspects and seized four pistols with filed-off serial numbers, along with 30 rounds of live ammunition.
The operation is the result of an ongoing investigation into a Toyota Hilux GD-6 that was stolen in Mzinti on May 29, 2026. While initial tracking operations failed to recover the vehicle, further intelligence led investigators to the suspected individuals linked to the incident.
The four suspects have been formally charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and are expected to make a preliminary appearance before the Tonga Magistrate’s Court soon. Police investigations remain active as authorities work to determine if the recovered firearms are connected to other criminal activities within the province.
