Members of the Mthatha Crime Prevention Unit arrested a 29-year-old male suspect on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at approximately 22:00, in Chris Hani Park, Mthatha, for possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol.
According to police reports, officers were conducting routine patrols in Chris Hani Park when a female victim stopped them and reported that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, who was also in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Police responded immediately. They recovered a 9mm Norinco pistol with an intact serial number from the 29-year-old suspect. The weapon was found without ammunition. The suspect failed to produce a valid firearm license and was arrested on the spot.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Mthatha Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, on a charge of unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm. The assault charge, arising from the domestic-related incident, is being handled separately.