KEY POINTS
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Two foreign nationals were arrested by the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit in Bloemfontein on April 12, 2025, for possessing stolen goods and an unlicensed firearm.
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The first suspect was found with a large number of mobile phones believed to be stolen from students, while the second suspect was discovered with a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
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Investigations are ongoing to determine the origins of the stolen items and firearm, with authorities also exploring possible links to broader criminal activity.
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, two foreign nationals were arrested in separate incidents in Bloemfontein, Free State, by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Anti-Gang Unit.
The foreign nationals were allegedly in possession of stolen goods and an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, leading to their swift arrest as part of an intelligence-led operation aimed at combating rising criminal activity in the area.
IOL reports that the first arrest occurred around 4 p.m. when members of the Anti-Gang Unit acted on critical intelligence indicating that a 35-year-old foreign national had been involved in a string of robberies targeting students in the Bloemfontein Central Business District (CBD).
It was alleged that the suspect had been using a firearm to rob students of their mobile phones.
“Acting on intelligence-led information, we tracked the suspect to a business in the CBD, where we found a large number of mobile phones that the suspect could not prove ownership of,” said Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli of SAPS. The suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen items and for violating the Immigration Act.
The second arrest took place shortly after, at around 4:45 p.m. When law enforcement officers followed further leads, they arrived at the suspect’s residence on Crownwell Street in the Navalsig area of Bloemfontein. There, a 25-year-old foreign national was discovered in possession of a 9mm pistol and ammunition, which had been hidden in the premises.
The second suspect was arrested on charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, in addition to being linked to other criminal activity under investigation.
Investigation continues into origins of stolen goods
SAPS has filed separate charges at the Navalsig Police Station for both individuals, and investigations are ongoing to determine the origins of the stolen goods and the unlicensed firearm. Authorities are also looking into potential links between these suspects and other criminal activities in the region.
“We are committed to investigating all aspects of this case, including uncovering any connections these individuals may have to organized crime or further illegal activities in Bloemfontein and beyond,” added Sergeant Kareli.
This operation highlights the South African Police Service’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the region and ensure that criminal activities do not destabilize communities. The arrests also reflect the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration in the fight against crime, as SAPS continues to focus on protecting the safety and security of residents in Bloemfontein.
As the investigation continues, SAPS urges anyone with additional information related to these suspects or similar criminal activities to come forward and assist with the case.
