Operation Safer Festive Season resulting in arrests, seizures of illicit goods, and the recovery of a firearm in Mpumalanga

Operation Safer Festive Season resulting in arrests, seizures of illicit goods, and the recovery of a firearm in Mpumalanga

January 23, 2026 • News

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga continues to intensify crime-combating efforts under Operation Safer Festive Season, resulting in arrests, seizures of illicit goods, and the recovery of a firearm during operations conducted on Thursday, 22 January 2026.

The astute members conducted a crime intelligence-driven operation at Schuizendal, Nkomazi, in Enhlazeni District following information regarding a firearm allegedly being used for poaching.
Police visited the identified residence and conducted a search, during which a Norinco rifle, one empty magazine, and a rifle bag were recovered. Further enquiries revealed that the firearm was legally licensed; however, the registered owner passed away in 2012.

As a result, the firearm, magazine, rifle bag, and the firearm license issued in the name of the deceased were seized for further investigation and processing in terms of the Firearms Control Act.

In addition, members conducted high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and stop-and-search operations, including the searching of persons and vehicles within the Malelane and Schoemansdal policing area. During these operations, a 41-year-old male was arrested for the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

In a separate operation, members of the Nkangala District Task Team and the Nkangala Anti-Hijacking Unit conducted Operation Safer Festive Season duties in the Belfast area.

The operation included vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), stop-and-search operations, and visits to shops, petrol stations, ATMs, and liquor outlets, as well as the searching of persons and vehicles.

As a result, three suspects aged between 23 and 40 were arrested for various offences, including dealing in drugs and possession of illicit cigarettes. All totalling to R82 089.

Furthermore, one enquiry docket was opened for contravention relating to illicit goods.

All arrested suspects are expected to appear before their respective Magistrate’s Courts in due course.

Operation Safer Festive Season resulting in arrests, seizures of illicit goods, and the recovery of a firearm in Mpumalanga https://t.co/fTFQBtf7Tt #ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/gDvIVJbIyg

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 23, 2026