A 38-year-old man has been arrested after police discovered illicit cigarettes and an unlicensed firearm during a compliance inspection operation in Acornhoek.

The operation was carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison and the Stock Theft Unit. The joint operation focused on inspecting spaza shops and livestock benchmark activities within the Acornhoek policing precinct.

Police said officers visited a spaza shop at the Acornhoek Old Complex as part of ongoing compliance inspections. During a search of the premises, officers allegedly uncovered a quantity of illicit cigarettes as well as a firearm for which no valid licence could be produced.

The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of illicit cigarettes and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The seized items have been confiscated and will form part of the police investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on charges linked to the offences.

SAPS said the operation forms part of its broader strategy to clamp down on illegal activities and strengthen crime prevention efforts across Mpumalanga. Police have vowed to continue conducting compliance inspections and targeted operations to ensure businesses comply with the law and to enhance community safety.