A coordinated police operation in Hartenbos resulted in the seizure of two unlicensed firearms and the arrest of two men on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The operation began around 6:00 PM when members of the Da Gamaskop police, acting on intelligence, arrested a man found in possession of an unlicensed .22 rifle.
Investigators then followed leads from this arrest to a premises on Herbst Street in Hartenbos. During a search of the property, police discovered a second illegal firearm—a shotgun—along with a separate firearm barrel and two rounds of ammunition. A 77-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene.
Both suspects face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm. The elderly suspect is additionally charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.
The two men remain in police custody and are expected to appear before the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 22, 2026.