Police in Mahwelereng, Waterberg District, have arrested a 41-year-old suspect on charges including possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and suspected stolen cattle following an incident at the Ga-Matlou grazing fields in Mapela on Thursday, 14 May 2026, at approximately 17:00.
According to reports, police and private security companies responded to a complaint of gunshots at the grazing fields. Upon arrival, officers found community members who had allegedly received information about two suspicious, unknown males herding a number of cattle.
Community members proceeded to the area and confronted the two suspects. It is alleged that the suspects opened fire while attempting to evade arrest. One suspect was overpowered by community members before police arrived at the scene. The second suspect fled and is currently being sought by police.
Officers confiscated a firearm, a magazine, and four live rounds of ammunition. The suspect failed to produce a valid firearm licence, leading to the seizure of the weapon and ammunition.
Police also recovered fourteen head of suspected stolen cattle—twelve cows and two bulls. The case has been handed over to the Stock Theft Unit for further investigation.
Preliminary investigations indicate the cattle were allegedly stolen earlier that week from Phetole Ga-Matlala. Police traced the owners, and the cattle were successfully returned to them on the same evening.
The arrested suspect sustained injuries during the incident and was admitted to a local hospital, where he remains under police guard. Efforts to arrest the remaining suspect are ongoing.
The accused is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 May 2026, on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen cattle.
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