Picture: One of firearms confiscated by the police/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
11 May 2026 – The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with the North West Provincial Illicit Mining Task Team, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Tactical Response Team, Potchefstroom Explosives Unit, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Crime Intelligence, Klerksdorp Local Criminal Record Centre and SSG Security arrested three suspects aged between 35 and 42, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. It is alleged that the suspects were arrested on 8 May 2026, at a hostel in Orkney.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their arrest followed a tip-off received regarding alleged illegal miners who were suspected to be in possession of firearms. Mathebula said a multidisciplinary operation was conducted and resulted in the arrest of three suspects after they were found in possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition.
“Seven other suspects aged between 35 and 45, who are believed to be Lesotho and Mozambican nationals were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act of 13 of 2002,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nombuso Khoza has applauded the team’s sterling efforts in ensuring that the proliferation of illegal firearms is curbed.
The Guardian 