Picture: An unlicensed hunting rifle, a silencer and a microscope/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 November 2026 – A man (41) briefly appeared before the Upington Magistrate’s Court following his arrest for allegedly selling an unlicensed hunting rifle, a silencer and a microscope valued at approximately R68 500. The arrest followed a disruptive operation conducted by the Upington-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), working together with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Public Order Policing.
According to the Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe, the operation was launched after investigators received a tip-off about a man allegedly looking for a buyer for an unlicensed hunting rifle, together with a microscope and a silencer. Thebe said upon receiving the information, the team immediately operationalised it and deployed an unconventional investigative approach to track down and apprehend the suspect.
“The operation resulted in the successful arrest of the alleged seller after he had sold the firearm and the accompanying items, valued at approximately R68 500. Jean-Pierre Solomons was arrested and charged with contravening the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, relating to the possession and sale of unlicensed firearms.
“Solomons briefly appeared before the Upington Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2026. The matter was postponed to 18 November 2026, for a bail application and the accused remains in custody. The Hawks have reiterated their commitment to combating the illegal possession and trade of firearms, warning that the unlawful circulation of weapons poses a serious threat to public safety and community security,” he said.
