Mthatha businessman arrested as police seize 140 firearms
During the inspection, the businessman was found in possession of a company firearm without the required permit.
A 60-year-old businessman from Mthatha, currently out on bail for attempted murder, was arrested this week after police discovered 140 firearms during a compliance inspection at his security company. The businessman was also found to have unaccounted for firearms during the inspection conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, a police spokesperson, stated that during the inspection, the businessman was caught with a company firearm without the necessary permit. She explained that the inspection, carried out by Operation Buyisa, discovered that firearms registered in the company's name were not listed in the company's stock register. A total of 140 firearms were seized, while another 135 firearms remained unaccounted for.
Van Wyk alleged that the businessman discharged a firearm inside a tent during a traditional event in July 2026, causing an off-duty police official to suffer a gunshot wound. The businessman is scheduled to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for a bail application following the compliance inspection.
The seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if any were used in other serious and violent crimes, according to Van Wyk. The SAPS continues to conduct compliance inspections as part of their efforts to enforce the Firearms Control Act and prevent the unlawful use and proliferation of firearms.
Last month, Operation Buyisa seized 100 firearms from a security firm in Soweto after its Psira accreditation was suspended due to storage violations.
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