Police in Ekurhuleni have arrested a 47-year-old man found in possession of explosives, military uniforms, firearms, and unlicensed ammunition. The discovery followed a tip-off that led officers to search his premises. The suspect faces multiple charges and is due in court soon.
In a significant bust on Gauteng's East Rand, Ekurhuleni Metro Police arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of possessing illegal explosives, military uniforms, firearms, and ammunition. The operation stemmed from intelligence received by law enforcement, prompting a search of the suspect's premises.
Ekurhuleni Metro Police spokesperson Millicent Kekana detailed the findings. Explosive experts attended the scene and seized the contraband items. The suspect now faces charges including possession of military uniforms, explosives, unlicensed firearms, and live ammunition.
During the search, officers uncovered 79 9mm live ammunition rounds in the main bedroom, along with 9mm magazines and one R5 magazine. In the wardrobe, they found one R5 magazine, 25 R5 live ammunition rounds, and a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) military uniform. An unmounted safe locked under the stairs yielded no keys from the suspect, who claimed he had none. Nearby, a crate held 12 various types of lethal explosives.
Upon accessing the locked safe, police recovered an R5 rifle, a handgun, and a .22 rimfire long rifle. Inside were 684 9mm live rounds, 709 R5 live rounds, 22 shotgun rounds, 400 .22 live ammunition rounds, and 92 R1 live rounds.
Kekana emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, which highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms possession in the region. The suspect is expected to appear in court shortly, though no specific date was provided.