Flagstaff arrest after shooting leads to recovery of stolen firearm

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in KwaNyathi, near Flagstaff, after police recovered an unlicensed firearm linked to a separate shooting incident in the area.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers acted on information on Thursday, 9 April 2026, at around 14:00, following reports that a 34-year-old man had been shot.

Arrest made after police follow leads

Police responded swiftly to the scene and tracked down a suspect, leading to the arrest of the 31-year-old man. During the operation, officers recovered a 9mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition.

However, preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested suspect was not the individual who fired the shot. It is alleged that another man, believed to be the shooter, fled the scene after the incident and left the firearm behind.

Victim hospitalised

The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body and was taken to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released further details about his condition.

Firearm linked to earlier theft case

Further investigation revealed that the recovered firearm had been reported stolen in Potchefstroom in October 2022, raising concerns about the circulation of illegal weapons across provinces.

Police say efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the alleged shooter.

Court appearance expected

The arrested suspect is expected to appear soon in the Flagstaff Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm.

OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, commended the officers involved in the operation, urging continued efforts to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to removing illegal firearms from communities as part of broader crime-fighting initiatives.