Picture: Firearms and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 January 2026– As part of intensified efforts to ensure community safety and curb the illegal proliferation of firearms, police in Bojanala District 2 (Rustenburg), arrested four suspects for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents. In Rustenburg and Marikana, intelligence-led operations conducted on 8 and 9 January 2026, by a multidisciplinary team followed up on information regarding suspects allegedly involved in serious and violent crimes.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the operations included members from Crime Intelligence, Provincial Detectives, the Provincial Crime Combating Unit deployed in Rustenburg, District Visible Policing, the Rustenburg Mounted Unit, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Detectives, and the Crime Combating Team. Myburgh said the police were further supported by Bidvest Security and the Royal Bafokeng Tactical Response Team.
“During the first incident on Thursday afternoon, 8 January 2026, a Lesotho national (35), was arrested after police conducted a search at his residence in Bleskop Informal Settlement, near Rustenburg. A rifle and ammunition were found and the suspect failed to produce a valid firearm licence.
“In the early hours of Friday, 9 January 2026, the team continued with the operation in Kroondal, where a Lesotho national (22) was arrested after being found in possession of an unlicensed AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition inside his room,” she said.
Myburgh further said in an adjacent room, a third Lesotho national (35) was found in possession of 25 rounds of ammunition and was also arrested. She added that a man (27) suspected of being in the country illegally, was arrested for contravening Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.
“The team then proceeded to a final address in Marikana on the same morning, where a suspect (26) was arrested after police discovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition in his possession, which he could not account for.
“The preliminary investigations have linked this suspect to a murder case reported in Rustenburg during October 2025. All suspects are expected to appear before the Rustenburg and Brits Magistrate’s Courts respectively soon,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended all members involved for their vigilance, dedication and bravery that led to the successful arrests and seizure of illegal firearms. Naidoo said the recovery of these illegal firearms is a significant blow to criminal elements operating in our communities.
“The police will remain resolute in the commitment to remove illegal weapons from the streets and to ensure that those who threaten the safety of law-abiding citizens are brought to justice,” he said.
The Guardian 