Illegal Firearms and Suspected Stolen Property Discovered in Klipgat

POTCHEFSTROOM – An intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Operations has resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old man and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, suspected stolen property and SAPS uniform related items in Klipgat.

The joint operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday, 31 August 2026, after the team acted on information and executed a legally authorised search warrant at a residence in Klipgat.

During the search, police recovered three firearms, including a silver 9mm pistol with its serial number allegedly filed off, and two blank firearms, one of which was allegedly modified to fire live ammunition. A total of 115 live 9mm rounds, three empty 9mm magazines, three empty 9mm cartridges, 40 blank rounds, and a pistol holster were also seized.

The operation further led to the recovery of eight laptops, three cellphones and a Motorola hand-held radio. One of the laptops bore a Government department sticker. Police also seized approximately 21.332 kilograms of copper cable with an estimated value of about R5 000.

In addition, SAPS uniform related items, including two SAPS caps, a pair of police socks, a SAPS pocketbook and a SAPS badge, were confiscated for further investigation.

Several role players were involved in the processing and investigation of the recovered exhibits, including the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) of Klipgat SAPS, Provincial Organised Crime, the Head Office Commercial Crime Cyber Unit, Transnet and Eskom.

The suspect faces charges of:

• Three counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm;
• Possession of ammunition;
• Possession of suspected stolen property; and
• Unlawful possession of state property, relating to the SAPS uniform related items.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court today, 01 September 2026.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, commended the coordinated efforts of all the role players. He stated that this operation demonstrates the power of collaboration. When law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders work together, criminals have fewer places to hide.

“Through strengthened partnerships, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, we will continue to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that those who break the law are brought to justice,” said Lieutenant General Adams.