A 30-year-old undocumented Mozambican national who runs a spaza shop in Embalenhle was arrested on Wednesday after officers recovered a stolen firearm during an organised crime operation.

The arrest was carried out by the Secunda-based Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, supported by the Secunda K9 Unit. Authorities had received information late last month alleging that the suspect was in possession of a firearm at Gate 6 in Embalenhle. Surveillance was conducted and a search warrant was secured.

During the operation on 3 December, officers found a firearm reported stolen in March 2021, with its serial number still intact. Six live rounds of ammunition were also seized. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it may have been used in other criminal activities.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Evander Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 December 2025. Hawks leadership indicated that an in-depth investigation will follow to establish any possible links to additional offences.