Eastern Cape Police arrested a 34-year-old man early Wednesday for possession of an unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle, ammunition and drugs during an intelligence-driven operation in the OR Tambo District, authorities said.
The arrest was carried out by the Mthatha-based OR Tambo District Task Team in Moyeni locality, Marubeni A/A, Libode, at about 03:00 on Nov. 5, 2025, as part of intensified Safer Festive Season operations, according to a statement by Capt. Welile Matyolo, a police spokesman in the Eastern Cape.
Officers recovered the unlicensed AK-47 with ammunition, dagga bompies, sachets of Tik and an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be proceeds from drug dealing activities, the statement said. The suspect failed to produce a license for the firearm and ammunition.
He was apprehended immediately and is expected to appear before the Libode Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, facing charges of unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as possession and dealing in drugs.
OR Tambo District Commissioner Maj. Gen. Norman Modishana praised the operation.
“This arrest is a clear indication that we are tightening our grip on criminal activities in the district, especially as we intensify Safer Festive Season operations,” Maj. Gen. Modishana said in the statement. “We will continue to ensure that our communities are safer and that those who choose to engage in crime are brought to book.”