Firearm arrests by the Police in the Nelson Mandela Bay District

Firearm arrests by the Police in the Nelson Mandela Bay District

July 9, 2026 • News

Proactive crime prevention operations by members of the SAPS in the Nelson Mandela Bay District have dealt another blow to criminality, resulting in the recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition, drugs and cash, as well as the arrest of four suspects in separate operations conducted between Tuesday, 7 July and Wednesday, 8 July 2026.

The first success was recorded on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at approximately 17:15, when members of the Anti-Gang Unit conducted a proactive operation at the Transnet Diesel/Electrical Depot in Deal Party. During a search of several lockers inside an abandoned building, members recovered an assortment of live ammunition, including 45 rounds of 5.56mm NATO (R5), 7.62x39mm (AK-47), 9mm Parabellum, .308 Winchester and .45 ACP ammunition, with an estimated value of more than R4 000 as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. An enquiry has been registered for further investigation.

Later that evening, at about 23:45, members of Swartkops SAPS were conducting crime prevention patrols in Polo Street, Wells Estate, when they noticed a suspicious man who abruptly changed direction upon seeing the marked police vehicle. Members pursued and searched the suspect, who admitted to carrying what he believed to be a firearm. A black and silver BLOW C75 firearm was recovered, and the 29-year-old suspect was arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 8 July 2026, members of the Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Sinqolamthi Street, Kwanobuhle. During the search, members recovered an unlicensed firearm and arrested the 41-year-old suspect for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

In another proactive operation on Wednesday 8 July 2026 at approximately 13:00 in Richmond Hill, members of the Anti-Gang Unit executed a search at a premises in Glen Street. The operation resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect after police confiscated 2 797 Mandrax tablets, three packets containing 92 grams of cocaine and three packets containing 112 grams of tik, with an estimated street value of approximately R115 000.

The suspects are expected to appear in their respective magistrates’ courts during the week on charges relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and possession of drugs. The investigation into the recovered ammunition and cash is continuing.

The Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the members for their dedication, vigilance and commitment to proactive policing.

“These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive crime prevention operations and the commitment of our members in removing illegal firearms, dangerous drugs and ammunition from our communities. Every firearm recovered and every drug seizure contributes to safer neighbourhoods. We remain resolute in our efforts to prevent and combat crime and encourage communities to continue working with the police by providing information that will assist us in bringing offenders to justice,” said Brigadier Ngalo. #FightingCrime