Four suspects, including Randburg police sergeant, arrested after allegedly opening fire on police in Nkandla Hostels

Four suspects, including a serving police sergeant, have been arrested after allegedly opening fire on police and security personnel during an operation at a tavern in Nkandla Hostels, Extension 36, on Saturday night.

The incident occurred at about 22:30 on 5 September 2026, after police and security personnel received information from a community member about a group of men allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms at the tavern.

As the members approached the premises, the suspects allegedly opened fire. Police and security personnel took cover, surrounded the tavern and issued verbal commands for the suspects to surrender.

The suspects allegedly refused to comply, prompting police to use necessary minimum force to bring the situation under control. Four suspects were subsequently arrested.

During a search of the premises, police recovered four spent cartridges and a firearm concealed behind a deep freezer. The firearm's serial numbers had been filed off.

A black zip-up bag containing suspected heroin was also seized.

One of the suspects is a serving police sergeant stationed at SAPS Randburg.

Police believe the recovered firearm may be a police firearm that was stolen during a robbery in Olievenhoutbosch earlier this year. This information will be subjected to forensic verification as investigations continue.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges including attempted murder, discharging a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of unlicensed ammunition and possession of drugs.