Mthatha – A 60-year-old Mthatha businessman has been arrested for alleged violations of the Firearms Control Act after police seized 140 firearms during a compliance inspection at the head office of his security company.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the businessman was found in possession of a company firearm without the required permit during an inspection conducted earlier this week.
“This constitutes a contravention of Section 3(1)(a) of the Firearms Control Act,” SAPS said.
The inspection was carried out by members of Operation Buyisa, who discovered that firearms registered to the security company could not be accounted for in its stock register.
“A total of 140 firearms were seized, while a further 135 firearms remained unaccounted for,” police said.
The businessman was already out on bail in connection with an attempted murder case involving a police official in July 2026.
According to SAPS, it is alleged that the suspect discharged a firearm inside a tent during a traditional occasion, resulting in an off-duty police official sustaining a gunshot wound.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for a formal bail application relating to the latest matter.
SAPS said the seized firearms would undergo ballistic testing to establish whether any could have been used in other serious and violent crimes.
“The seized firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish whether any of them may have been used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes,” the police said.
The investigation comes as SAPS continues conducting compliance inspections aimed at enforcing the Firearms Control Act and preventing the unlawful use and proliferation of firearms.
Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure firearm owners and businesses comply with the law.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook / SAPS
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
