Two Arrested in Limpopo Police Crackdown on Firearm Crimes

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has intensified its operations against firearm-related and property crimes, leading to the arrest of two suspects aged 36 and 41 during separate operations conducted in Northam and Mokwakwaila on Sunday, 9 November 2025.

In the first incident, an intelligence-driven joint operation by Northam Detectives, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Thabazimbi Detectives led to the arrest of a 41-year-old man linked to a theft case committed in Northam in October 2025. Acting swiftly on information about the suspect’s whereabouts in Boitekong, North West Province, the team coordinated a successful operation that resulted in his capture.

During the arrest, police recovered a pistol with cartridges and a magazine, as well as a laptop and an iPhone that had been reported stolen. Investigations further revealed that some of the stolen property had already been sold to other individuals. While tracing the firearm, officers discovered a bag left at a local tavern, which upon inspection, contained the weapon. The Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre attended the scene to process the evidence.

In a separate operation at Femane Village under the Mokwakwaila policing area in the Mopani District, police arrested a 36-year-old man for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Officers responded to a community tip-off after residents chased a suspect believed to be carrying a firearm. Upon arrival, police found that the suspect had been assaulted by community members. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had thrown the firearm into a nearby river after being cornered. The police managed to retrieve a 9mm pistol without a magazine, its serial number filed off.

The suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised both the police teams and community members for their cooperation and swift action. However, she also cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

“We appreciate the cooperation from community members, but urge them to refrain from acts of vigilantism. All criminal activities should be reported directly to the police,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Both suspects are expected to appear before their respective Magistrate’s Courts soon