Mthatha businessman arrested as 140 firearms seized during compliance inspection

A 60-year-old businessman from Mthatha has been arrested for allegedly contravening the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 following a compliance inspection at the head office of his security company earlier this week.

According to police, members of Operation Buyisa conducted the inspection and found the businessman in possession of a company firearm without the required permit.

Police said this amounted to an alleged contravention of Section 3(1)(a) of the Firearms Control Act.

During the inspection, officers also established that firearms registered to the security company were not accounted for in its stock register.

A total of 140 firearms were seized, while another 135 firearms remained unaccounted for, according to SAPS.

The businessman was already out on bail in connection with an attempted murder case involving a police official in July 2026.

It is alleged that the suspect discharged a firearm inside a tent during a traditional occasion, resulting in an off-duty police official sustaining a gunshot wound.

The accused is expected to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 29 September, for a formal bail application relating to the latest case.

The seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether any may have been used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes.

SAPS said compliance inspections form part of ongoing efforts to ensure adherence to the Firearms Control Act and prevent the proliferation and unlawful use of firearms.

Police urged firearm owners and security companies to comply with all legal requirements governing the possession and management of firearms.