Police in Malamulele have arrested a 15-year-old boy and his 37-year-old male relative for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The arrests occurred on Thursday, 05 February 2026, at approximately 12:00 in Mahonisi Village.
The investigation began at a local high school, where authorities were called after three live rounds of ammunition were confiscated from the 15-year-old learner on school premises.
Following preliminary investigations, police determined the ammunition belonged to an adult relative of the learner. Officers proceeded to the learner’s residence, where they located the 37-year-old suspect. A subsequent search led to the recovery of a significant cache of additional items.
Hidden in nearby bushes, police found a firearm concealed in a holster, a magazine, 39 additional rounds of ammunition, and empty cartridges.
The adult suspect faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is scheduled to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 09 February 2026.
In accordance with the Child Justice Act, the matter involving the 15-year-old minor was dealt with through separate legal procedures.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the swift response of both the police and school officials. She reiterated a zero-tolerance stance towards the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, especially in cases involving children, noting it represents a serious threat to community and school safety.