GAUTENG – As part of intensified Festive Season Operations in the Rietgat Policing Precinct, members attached to the Crime Prevention Unit conducted routine patrols and stop-and-search operations on Monday night, 22 December 2025, at approximately 22:00 in Block R.
During the operation, police observed a suspicious male walking in the street who attempted to evade the members upon noticing their presence. The individual was stopped and searched.
A 9mm pistol, loaded with four rounds of ammunition and with the serial number filed off, was found concealed in the suspect’s trousers.
The suspect failed to produce a valid firearm licence and could not provide a reasonable explanation for being in possession of the firearm.
The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Further investigations are underway to determine whether the suspect and the recovered firearm may be linked to other criminal activities. The firearm will undergo ballistic analysis as part of these investigations.
The District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, commended the officers for their vigilance and commitment. He further emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime, urging residents to work closely with the police by reporting criminal activities and assisting in removing unlicensed firearms from the streets.
