Major General Dorah Xaba, Acting District Commissioner, Operation Basadi led to the apprehension of a 43-year-old man in Acornhoek for possessing a handgun with filed-off serial numbers. The operation, which took place in the Ehlanzeni District, marks a significant achievement in combating firearm-related crimes.

The sting operation was initially set up in Hazyview by policewomen from the Tactical Response Team (TRT) who were acting on intelligence about an individual seen with a firearm. Upon locating the suspect who matched the provided description, law enforcement conducted a search that resulted in the recovery of the handgun and 10 live rounds of ammunition.

The suspect, unable to produce a firearm license, was arrested on the spot. Investigations are continuing, with the firearm slated for ballistic testing to determine its possible use in previous crimes, which may lead to further charges.

The arrested individual is scheduled to appear at the Mhala Magistrate’s Court on, 23 August 2024.

Additionally, the operation’s reach extended to Hazyview, culminating in traffic fines totalling R15,000 being issued to 12 drivers for violations under the Road Traffic Act.

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, praised the operation, noting the crucial role of female police officers in the successful arrest and emphasising the ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal firearms from the community.