KEY POINTS
- Police arrested two men in Groblersdal with five unlicensed firearms.
- Authorities found additional ammunition in an abandoned house.
- The suspects appeared in court and face firearm possession charges.
A police operation in Groblersdal turned into a major bust when officers discovered a cache of unlicensed firearms, leading to the arrest of two men.
The suspects, aged 18 and 52, were taken into custody during a search by the Sekhukhune Operation Vala Umgodi Pro-Active Team.
The operation focused on Blue Ridge Platinum Mine and the Maleoskop residential area, where authorities found the men in possession of four rifles and a shotgun—all unlicensed.
During the search, police also found 23 rounds of abandoned ammunition in another house with no occupants.
According to IOL, investigators are now working to trace the origins of both the firearms and the ammunition to determine if they were used in any criminal activities.
Suspects appear in court on firearms charges
The two suspects appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was part of a broader effort to curb illegal firearm possession and crime in the region.
“We are investigating whether these firearms are linked to any crimes,” Ledwaba said. “The discovery of additional ammunition in an abandoned house raises further concerns.”
Police commend officers for firearms seizure
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the officers involved in the operation. She highlighted their dedication to keeping illegal weapons off the streets.
“The success of this operation is a testament to the hard work of our law enforcement teams,” Hadebe said. “We will continue to crack down on illegal firearm possession to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether they expect more arrests. However, they continue the investigation into the seized weapons.
