Firearms recovered during a police operation in Ermelo on 27 October, which led to the arrest of six suspects. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga
Six suspects, aged between 21 and 32, were arrested after police recovered three unlicensed firearms and 31 rounds of ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation in Ermelo on Tuesday, 27 October.
According to SAPS Mpumalanga spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, officers acted on information about a white Ford Ranger travelling from Barberton towards Ermelo.
Members of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Anti-Hijacking Task Team and Crime Prevention Unit in the Gert Sibande District intercepted and searched the vehicle.
Police recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, two pistols with their serial numbers filed off, and 31 rounds of ammunition.
A further search uncovered four licensed firearms and additional ammunition. These reportedly belong to one of the suspects, who is said to own a security company in KwaZulu-Natal.
The vehicle was seized for further investigation.
Magagula said all confiscated firearms would undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they had been used in crimes. Further charges could follow as the investigation continues.
The six suspects face charges relating to possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 29 October.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers for their swift response and urged residents to continue sharing information that could help police remove illegal firearms from communities.