Firearms and Ammunition linked to Illegal mining activities recovered in Lawley

Firearms and Ammunition linked to Illegal mining activities recovered in Lawley

March 16, 2026 • Accidents, News

In a coordinated intelligence-driven operation involving the OCI PHO Tracing Team, OCI PHO Projects, Sedibeng Roving Team, and the Gauteng Traffic Police High Priority Crimes and Internal Affairs Unit, officers acted on intelligence that had been under investigation for the past three weeks regarding suspected illegal mining activities linked to zama-zamas operating in Germiston and Westonaria.

The intelligence further indicated that firearms linked to the group were being hidden at a house in the Lawley area. Acting on this information, the team conducted a series of follow-up operations at several addresses in Protea Glen and Lawley.

During the operation, the team proceeded to an address in Lawley Extension where a search of the premises was conducted. While searching the house, officers discovered live ammunition of various calibres as well as firearms concealed inside the residence.

Three AK-47 rifles were found inside a black bag hidden under a bed, while a pistol and two magazines were discovered between the base and mattress. Officers also recovered four rifle magazines and a large quantity of live ammunition of different calibres.

In total, officers confiscated three AK-47 rifles, one pistol and 990 rounds of live ammunition. Additional items recovered at the scene included several cellphones, passports, traffic registration documents and a VW vehicle.

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Firearms and Ammunition linked to Illegal mining activities recovered in Lawleyhttps://t.co/BVM92RXqK6 #ArriveAlive #GunsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService @GTP_Traffstats pic.twitter.com/i9GKZ2iq5k

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 16, 2026