Security forces uncovered a cache of military-grade weaponry hidden inside a suburban residence.
The shocking discovery occurred during a targeted raid on a residential property located in Malvern East, Ekurhuleni, where specialized investigators located a fully operational RPG-7 launcher alongside military boosters and live explosive rounds.
A thirty-three-year-old foreign national now faces extremely serious criminal charges after authorities determined he possessed the deadly military arsenal without any legal documentation authorizing such dangerous ownership.
Elite law enforcement officials from the provincial anti-gang unit joined forces with Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers to execute the carefully planned high-risk operation on Friday afternoon.
“An operation was conducted and the police pounced on the house and found the suspects with explosives,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.
Investigators had received detailed credible information suggesting the suspect was actively harboring high-calibre weapons within his suburban residential property.
City of Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku officially confirmed that specialized officers recovered an RPG-7 launcher, military boosters, and high-powered explosive rounds from the premises.
“The suspect failed to provide lawful authorisation and was arrested for possession of military explosives,” said Tshwaku.
The detained foreign national could not produce any valid documentation permitting him to own such highly sophisticated military hardware designed for warfare.
Meanwhile, intensive law enforcement operations conducted in the Free State province yielded additional successful arrests during separate incidents specifically targeting illegal firearm possession.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring officially confirmed that two dangerous suspects were taken into custody in Vrede and Marquard respectively following swift action.
The first significant arrest occurred in Vrede on Thursday afternoon when vigilant community members reported an aggressive man openly brandishing a firearm at a local bottle store.
“Police responded swiftly and searched the suspect, where they recovered a 9mm firearm with ammunition concealed on his waist. The firearm had no licence, and the serial number had been filed off,” said Mophiring.
A comprehensive forensic ballistic analysis will be urgently conducted to determine definitively whether the weapon was previously used in the commission of violent crimes.
On Saturday afternoon, dedicated police officers acted on another urgent community tip-off regarding an individual allegedly pointing his loaded pistol at terrified residents in Marquard.
“Police immediately acted on the information and proceeded to the identified address. Upon arrival, the suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and ammunition, without a valid licence,” said Mophiring.
The suspect was immediately detained at the scene and formally charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal ammunition.
The Ekurhuleni suspect is expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court early this week to answer serious charges of possessing military explosives.
“This operation reflects decisive, intelligence-driven enforcement. There is no space for organised violence or illegal weaponry in our city,” said Tshwaku.
All accused individuals remain in secure police custody while intensive investigations continue and prosecutors prepare their cases for formal court presentation.