Police in Mpumalanga arrested four suspects during separate crime-prevention operations in Grootvlei and Verena on 31 July, recovering illegal firearms, ammunition, suspected explosives and drugs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
Coordinated patrols uncover weapons and explosives
Members conducting routine patrols in the early hours of the morning in Grootvlei observed a silver Toyota Avanza parked at a petrol station. After approaching the vehicle and obtaining consent to search the car and its occupants, officers found a rifle magazine containing 39 live rounds, along with eight 9mm rounds and eight additional handgun rounds. Two occupants were arrested on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition.
Later the same day, at about 18:30, specialised members from the ATM Bombing Task Team together with Visible Policing carried out a further search of the vehicle. They discovered two handguns, one rifle and six packets of suspected explosives concealed in the spare wheel compartment, the province’s police spokesperson said.
“The recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition, explosives and suspected drugs is a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and safeguard our communities,” said Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
The two suspects linked to the Grootvlei vehicle — aged 36 and 37 — are expected to appear at the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges connected to unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives. Police noted that additional charges may be added as investigations progress.
In a separate operation in Verena, police acting on information located a man alleged to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Phakama New Stands area at about 09:30. A search of the suspect and his premises uncovered a homemade silver firearm with a brown handle; the 26-year-old suspect was arrested after failing to produce a valid firearm licence.
Officers later that morning at about 10:40, while patrolling the Verena Taxi Rank, observed another man who was detained; the source content on that arrest was incomplete, and police indicated further details will be released once inquiries are finalised.
What was recovered
Police listed the following items recovered during the operations. These seizures will assist investigators probing links to organised crime and violent offences in the area.
- Two handguns and one rifle
- One rifle magazine with 39 live rounds
- Six packets of suspected explosives
- Eight rounds of 9mm ammunition and eight other handgun rounds
- One silver homemade firearm (brown handle)
- Suspected drugs (details to be confirmed by investigators)
| Item | Quantity / Description |
|---|---|
| Rifle magazine | 39 live rounds |
| 9mm ammunition | 8 rounds |
| Other handgun ammunition | 8 rounds |
| Handguns | 2 |
| Rifles | 1 (plus homemade firearm) |
| Packets of suspected explosives | 6 (found in spare wheel compartment) |
Captain Nonyane-Mpe said the items seized would support ongoing investigations into organised crime networks operating in the province.
The arrests and seizures follow SAPS’ stated focus on proactive operations designed to curb violent crime, particularly the use of illegal firearms and explosive devices, which have been linked to ATM bombings and other high-harm incidents in parts of the country.
Residents in affected communities often express concern about the ready availability of illegal weapons and explosive material. Law enforcement agencies say targeted intelligence-led operations remain the primary tool for disrupting these criminal supply chains and preventing attacks on businesses and communities.
Those arrested in Grootvlei and Verena are due to appear in the Balfour Magistrate’s Court as police continue forensic and criminal inquiries. Authorities have not yet indicated whether any suspects will face charges related to possession of suspected explosives or drugs; they said additional charges could follow depending on the outcome of laboratory and investigative processes.
Local residents are asked to continue reporting suspicious activity to SAPS and to cooperate with police efforts to address violent crime in their areas.
