Police bust firearm trafficking syndicate, 30 illegal pistols seized
The South African Police Service (SAPS) believes they’ve made a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal firearm trafficking, after a multi-agency anti-kidnapping task team intercepted a cache of 30 unlicensed pistols in Johannesburg.
Two suspects, aged 34 and 45, were arrested in Meyersdal in the south of Johannesburg on Monday evening following a carefully planned intelligence-led operation involving SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU), Johannesburg K9 Unit, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, and private security.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the arrests follow several days of surveillance across provinces.
"Officers swooped in as the suspects were collecting the weapons, which were later confirmed to be destined for the Western Cape.
"Further investigations confirmed the suspects planned to transport the unlicensed firearms themselves."
Both suspects have also been linked to other criminal cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
"They remain in custody and face multiple charges including illegal possession and trafficking of firearms," Mathe added.
Investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected as efforts intensify to dismantle the syndicate.
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