Good intelligence saw police swoop on a house in Ficksburg on the Lesotho border, recovering substantial quantities of suspected unlicensed ammunition and explosives.

Free State SA Police Service (SAPS) reports the recovered items as a “large number” of R1 and R5 ammunition, stun and smoke grenades, pencil flares, a thunder flare [flash] and “hand signal smoke”.

The Tuesday 26 November search and seizure operation saw elements from Crime Intelligence, Ladybrand K-9 unit and the Bloemfontein tactical response team (TRT) remove suspected SAPS and SA National Defence Force (SANDF) ammunition and explosives for safekeeping while the investigation continues.

A 56-year-old man was taken into custody and is expected to face charges in connection with possession of stolen ammunition and explosives.

SAPS Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, said “sharpened intelligence” led to the bust.

The South African Police Service said investigation in the matter will be continuing so as to dig deeper into how such a large amount of ammunition and explosives ended up in the hands of an individual who is not authorised to possess it.

The latest bust follows one on 20 November when police in Gauteng arrested a security officer (Mark Llewellyn Kannemeyer) for allegedly selling an assault rifle and ammunition to zama zamas around the West Rand area. A search of the suspect’s work vehicle revealed an AR-15 rifle with a filed-off serial number wrapped in a towel. Kannemeyer claimed the rifle belonged to G4S, his employer, and he was using his company vehicle.

At his house, three additional firearms and various calibres of ammunition (7.62 mm, 5.56 mm, .38 Special, 9 mm, and shotgun) surpassing 2 300 rounds were seized. The suspect stated that these firearms and ammunition also belonged to G4S and that he possessed a permit for them. A follow-up investigation will be conducted to verify these claims, the SAPS said.

“This operation’s success underscores the dedication and effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies in combating illegal firearm activities. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities and will continue to pursue justice with unwavering resolve”, Stated, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng Major General Ebrahim Kadwa.