Johannesburg – Police believe they have dismantled a major gun trafficking syndicate following the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 30 unlicensed firearms during a raid in Meyersdal, Johannesburg.
The coordinated operation was executed on Monday evening, 28 July 2025, and involved members of the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, crime intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU), Johannesburg K9 Unit, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and private security.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the suspects — aged 34 and 45 — were apprehended after days of surveillance and intelligence-gathering across several provinces.
#sapsHQ The SAPS anti-kidnapping task team believes it has broken the back of a syndicate involved in the trafficking of unlicensed firearms.
On Monday evening, 28/07, an intelligence driven operation involving various units including SAPS crime intelligence, the Gauteng… pic.twitter.com/uOFBXIWz2V
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 29, 2025
Police moved in for a tactical takedown as the suspects allegedly collected the illegal firearms.
“The suspects were found with 30 unlicensed 9mm firearms. Investigations revealed that the weapons were en route to the Western Cape and the suspects planned to transport them personally,” said Mathe.
Authorities say both men have been linked to other cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape. They are currently in custody and face multiple charges, including illegal possession and trafficking of firearms.
The SAPS says investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional members of the syndicate.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
