Three Firearms and 730 Rounds of Ammunition Seized.

A 49-year-old man was arrested after police recovered three unlicensed firearms and 730 rounds of live ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation in the Ngqayi policing precinct, Joe Gqabi District, on Friday, 9 October 2026.

According to SAPS, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) from OR Tambo District and the Commanders Recce Team acted on information about firearms and ammunition allegedly being used in violent crimes, including contract killings.

Police approached the suspect in Marhombe Administrative Area, Gemiston locality. He reportedly cooperated and led officers to nearby school premises where the weapons were concealed.

Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, a .303 rifle, a .308 rifle, three magazines and 730 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they can be linked to other serious crimes, including murders.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata commended the officers and urged communities to report illegal firearms.

The suspect faces charges of possession of prohibited firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition and is expected to appear in court soon.