BELHAR — Executing a targeted Belhar illegal firearms raid, Operation Lockdown III officers seized an AK-47 and arrested a 67-year-old man on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The suspect, who was apprehended following a lengthy pursuit, is allegedly connected to a local gang grouping and a regional gunsmith.
The tactical operation unfolded at a property on Hughes Street after authorities received vital intelligence regarding the suspect’s alleged weapons cache. Law enforcement officials mobilized the information, suspecting the individual was actively stockpiling illegal weaponry.
Upon arriving at the address, a comprehensive search was conducted. Investigators located a safe containing an AK-47 rifle, a Citadel 12-gauge shotgun, and an undisclosed amount of cash. A secondary search of the premises yielded multiple rounds of ammunition alongside three firearm scopes.
Following the search, the 67-year-old male suspect attempted to evade capture, prompting a lengthy police pursuit before he was finally apprehended. He is being held on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court once formal charges are finalized.
