Four Arrested as Police Seize Illegal Firearms in Ngqeleni.

Four men have been arrested following an intelligence-driven police operation in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape, on Friday, 9 October 2026.

According to SAPS, OR Tambo District Task Teams from Lusikisiki and Mthatha conducted the operation at approximately 03:00, recovering four illegal or prohibited firearms.

Two suspects, aged 35 and 37, were arrested in Zinyosini locality after police allegedly discovered an unlicensed Uzi submachine gun and a 9mm Beretta pistol, each containing four live rounds. Both firearms had erased serial numbers.

In separate incidents at Ntshilini locality, two men aged 51 and 54 were arrested for allegedly possessing prohibited homemade shotguns, each containing one live cartridge.

All four suspects are expected to appear in the Ngqeleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October 2026.

The Uzi and Beretta pistol will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were previously used in criminal activities.

OR Tambo District Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana commended the officers involved for their efforts to combat illegal firearms in the district.