CRIME SCENE: Mthatha, Eastern Cape: A 60-year-old businessman from Mthatha has been arrested for alleged contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The businessman was allegedly found in possession of a company firearm without the required permit., following a compliance inspection conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) earlier this week at the head office of his security company.

The inspection was conducted by Operation Buyisa, who, according to SAPS, established that firearms registered in the name of the security company were not accounted for in the company’s stock register.

“A total of 140 firearms were seized, while a further 135 firearms remained unaccounted for,” said SAPS.

The businessman was out on bail in connection with an attempted murder case involving a police official in July 2026. It is alleged that the suspect discharged a firearm inside a tent during a traditional occasion, resulting in an off-duty police official sustaining a gunshot wound.

The accused is expected to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for a formal bail application following this week’s compliance inspection.

“The seized firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish whether any of them may have been used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes.

“SAPS continues to conduct compliance inspections as part of efforts to ensure strict adherence to the Firearms Control Act and to prevent the proliferation and unlawful use of firearms.”