The Phuthaditjhaba Crime Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the Public Order Police Unit, arrested four suspects from Qwaqwa and seized three illegal firearms, ammunition and a vehicle following an intelligence-driven operation.
On Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at approximately 21:00, police were summoned to a local filling station following information about two suspicious vehicles that had been parked at the premises for some time. The information raised concern as the area had previously experienced a series of business robberies at filling stations within Phuthaditjhaba.
Public Order Police members were activated, and upon noticing the police, one of the vehicles left the filling station. Police followed the vehicle and successfully stopped it. Four occupants were found inside.
The suspects and vehicle were thoroughly searched. Police discovered three 9mm pistols without serial numbers and 49 rounds of ammunition. All four suspects were immediately arrested and the vehicle was seized.
During further investigation, police were led to a property in Botshabela Village, allegedly belonging to one of the suspects. A search was conducted, resulting in the discovery of additional R5 rifle ammunition and five rounds of pistol ammunition.
The four suspects, aged 32, 43, 44 and 45, have been charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, welcomed the successful operation and commended the police members for their dedication in removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminals.
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