Police seize illegal guns in Bushbuckridge

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Illegal firearms and ammunition were seized during a coordinated crime prevention operation in the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, as part of Operation Shanela.

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The multidisciplinary team, working alongside local Farm Watch structures, conducted intelligence-driven operations between 23 and 24 February 2026 in Calcutta, Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge. The operation focused on crime prevention, tracing of wanted suspects and compliance inspections.

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Police conducted stop-and-searches, patrols and visits to liquor outlets in identified hotspots, including Saselani and Dwarsloop in Bushbuckridge. During the operation, a 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police seized two 9mm pistols, two magazines and approximately 16 live rounds.

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Further operational activities led to the recovery of two additional firearms, one of which is suspected to be a state-issued weapon. Crime Intelligence information later resulted in the recovery of another 9mm pistol with ammunition.

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Two suspects, aged 25 and 30, are expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court and Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court respectively on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

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The Acting Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that integrated, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with community structures such as farm patrols remain critical in removing illegal firearms from communities.

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“These coordinated efforts enhance operational quality, strengthen cohesion among law enforcement partners, and significantly contribute to proactive policing and safer communities,” said Mkhwanazi.

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