MPUMALANGA — A 36-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm in Witbank following a coordinated operation by local law enforcement agencies. The multidisciplinary team, comprising the Middelburg Flying Squad, Nkangala District Highway Patrol, and Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Unit, executed the apprehension on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at approximately 16:40 on the R544 road.
According to a spokesperson for the joint police operation, officers were patrolling the area when they identified a suspicious Mitsubishi Colt. Upon stopping the vehicle, law enforcement discovered eight occupants inside. A subsequent search revealed that the driver was in possession of a firearm but failed to produce a valid license or permit, leading to his immediate arrest for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
During official questioning, the detained suspect provided intelligence regarding another individual residing in the Klarinet area who was allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm. Acting on this information, police proceeded to the specified address.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the second suspect fled the scene. Officers conducted a thorough search of the room and successfully seized two black bulletproof vests and two pellet guns.
The spokesperson confirmed that the confiscated firearm will be submitted for ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in the commission of any other crimes. The 36-year-old primary suspect is expected to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court in due course.
