Elderly Man Arrested for Unlicensed Firearm Possession

A 69-year-old man, identified as Edward Moloto, has been arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Vaalbank, Mpumalanga. The arrest took place at Mkhombo Nature Reserve around midday on Friday, 7 November 2025.

According to police reports, field rangers discovered Moloto in possession of a hunting rifle without a serial number and two live rounds of ammunition. When asked to produce a firearm licence, he was unable to do so. Police were called to the scene, and the weapon was seized as part of an ongoing investigation.

Moloto appeared in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10 November 2025, where he was released with a warning. His next court appearance is scheduled for 11 December 2025 at the same court.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift action taken by the field rangers.

“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to removing illegal firearms from our communities and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” he said.