A stolen vehicle led police to a major firearms bust in Margate this week, resulting in the arrest of four suspects found with high-powered rifles and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

On Wednesday, police officers from the Ugu District, working with private security and a vehicle tracking company, swooped on a property in Uvongo after a vehicle tracker activation alerted them to suspicious activity.

“Police officers together with a vehicle tracking company proceeded to the given address where they found four men,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza.

According to a statement released on Thursday by provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, officers found four men aged between 30 and 41 and a double cab Ford Ranger parked inside the garage of the address.

A quick inspection revealed that the vehicle’s number plates did not match the license disc. Further investigation confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Phoenix in August 2025.

“The registration fitted on the vehicle did not match the one on the licence disc. Quick investigation revealed that the vehicle had been stolen in Phoenix in August this year,” Magwaza said.

During a search of the premises, police uncovered a significant weapons cache. The haul included an AK47 assault rifle with 106 rounds of ammunition, an R4 assault rifle with 70 rounds, a .303 rifle with 12 live rounds, and two pistols with 22 rounds.

All four suspects were arrested on the spot and are facing charges of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, unlicensed firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

They are expected to appear in the Hibberdene Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of more charges as investigations continue.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed the arrest and applauded the swift coordination between law enforcement and private security.

IOL NEWS

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