Two men have been arrested after allegedly discharging firearms during a funeral in the Tonga area, Mpumalanga, as police intensify operations for the festive season.

The arrests were made on Friday, 12 December 2025, at Naas village near Tonga, during a multidisciplinary operation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of the ongoing Festive Season Operation. The suspects, aged 35 and 40, were apprehended following intelligence-driven monitoring at a local cemetery.

According to police, Crime Intelligence received information that members of a group suspected of terrorising residents in Naas and surrounding areas planned to fire weapons during the burial of one of their associates. Such behaviour was believed to pose a serious risk to mourners and the broader community.

Police officers were strategically deployed to observe the situation. During the burial, officers reportedly witnessed firearms being discharged in the cemetery. Two individuals were then identified in separate vehicles, tactically approached and arrested without incident.

One suspect was found in possession of a shotgun and two empty magazines. Although the firearm is licensed, police allege that the owner contravened the Firearms Control Act by discharging it in a public place. The second suspect was allegedly found with a 9mm pistol, a magazine and 165 live rounds of ammunition.

Both suspects have been charged in connection with the unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place. They were expected to appear before the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 December 2025.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, warned that firearms in the wrong hands are extremely dangerous and urged communities to prioritise safety at all times, particularly during public gatherings.

Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the festive season.