Illegal 9mm Pistol Seized as Police Arrest Suspect in Bityi Area

Police Arrest Shop Owner With Unlicensed Firearm in OR Tambo District

Bityi, Eastern Cape – An intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the OR Tambo District has resulted in the arrest of a 37-year-old man for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The operation was carried out by the OR Tambo District Task Team on Thursday, 25 December 2025, at approximately 17:00, at the Sabe locality under the Bityi policing precinct. The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by police to curb the circulation of illegal firearms and strengthen public safety in communities across the district.

Unlicensed firearm discovered during search

According to SAPS, the suspect was searched at his shop during the operation. Police discovered an unlicensed 9mm Norinco pistol on the man’s waist. The firearm still had an intact serial number and was fitted with a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.

The suspect was unable to produce a valid licence or any legal documentation authorising him to possess the firearm.

Additional ammunition recovered

A further search of the premises led to the recovery of an additional 88 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition. The discovery significantly increased the seriousness of the charges, and the suspect was arrested immediately at the scene.

Police confirmed that a firearm circulation check was conducted, which revealed no recorded status for the confiscated weapon. This means the firearm was not linked to any official registration records at the time of the arrest.

Charges and court appearance

The suspect has been formally charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear before the Bityi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 December 2025, where the charges will be put before the court.

Ongoing police operations

SAPS has reiterated that intelligence-led operations remain a critical tool in addressing serious and violent crime, particularly offences linked to illegal firearms. Such operations aim to remove weapons from circulation before they can be used in violent crimes, including robberies, assaults, and murders.

The arrest contributes to broader provincial and national initiatives under campaigns such as Guns Off the Streets, which focus on disrupting illegal firearm networks and enhancing safety in local communities.

Police have encouraged members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity and information related to illegal firearms through the appropriate SAPS channels.