In a targeted operation, a 30-year-old undocumented Mozambican national, who operates a spaza shop, was arrested on Wednesday, 03 December 2025, for possession of a reported stolen firearm. The arrest was effected by the Secunda-based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in partnership with the Secunda K9 Unit.
The investigation was initiated after the Hawks received information on 24 November 2025 regarding the suspect, who was alleged to be in illegal possession of a firearm at his spaza shop in Embalenhle, Gate 6. Following this tip-off, authorities conducted further intelligence gathering and constant surveillance on the suspect.
After compiling the necessary information, the Hawks Organised Crime Investigation team successfully applied for and was granted a search warrant. On the morning of 03 December 2025, the Hawks operationalised the intelligence and, with backup from the Secunda K9 Unit, executed the warrant at the specified premises.
During the search, law enforcement recovered a firearm reported stolen in Embalenhle in March 2021. The serial number of the weapon was still clearly visible. Alongside the firearm, six live rounds of ammunition were also seized.
The recovered firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if it was used in the commission of other crimes.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to make his first appearance before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 04 December 2025, to face charges related to the possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, as well as immigration violations.