Four arrested in Qwaqwa with three illegal firearms and ammunition

Four suspects have been arrested in Qwaqwa after a Crime Intelligence-led operation resulted in the seizure of three illegal firearms and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

The operation was conducted in Phuthaditjhaba on Wednesday night, 16 September 2026, following information about two suspicious vehicles parked at a local filling station.

Police followed one of the vehicles after it left the premises and stopped it. Four occupants, aged between 32 and 45, were found inside.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered three 9mm pistols with their serial numbers removed and 49 rounds of ammunition.

Further investigations led police to a property in Botshabela Village, where additional R5 rifle ammunition and five pistol rounds were allegedly recovered.

The suspects face charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia welcomed the arrests and urged residents to report information about illegal firearms to police.