In a breakthrough for two violent cases, the Wolseley Crime Prevention Unit has arrested a 27-year-old Lesotho national and recovered two automatic rifles linked to attempted murders reported in October and November 2025.
The investigation began when two separate spaza shop owners reported incidents of attempted murder after being shot at within their businesses. Members of the Wolseley South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted intensive intelligence-gathering operations, working around the clock to piece together crucial information.
This sustained effort led police to Pine Valley on Monday, 08 December 2025. During a search of three shacks, the Crime Prevention Unit discovered a significant cache of illegal weapons in one of the structures. The haul included an R5 rifle with its serial number removed, accompanied by 29 rounds of ammunition, and an automatic hand machine carbine with 12 rounds. Two additional .38 Special rounds of ammunition were also seized.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and faces serious charges, including possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition.
The man is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Wolseley Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, to answer to these charges.