Three suspects have been arrested in Bekkersdal on Gauteng’s West Rand after police discovered a cache of illegal firearms. The arrests were made in the early hours of Sunday morning when South African Police Service (SAPS) officers stopped a car during patrols in the area.

A search of the vehicle uncovered three AK-47 rifles hidden in the boot, along with ammunition.

Gauteng Police Spokesperson, Tintswalo Sibeko, says the suspects face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and are expected to appear in court soon.

#sapsGP [ILLEGAL MINING] #SAPS Gauteng Provincial #IllegalMining Stabilisation Team intercepted a Maroon Toyota Corolla sedan in Bekkersdal, West Rand District, early this morning, Sunday, 08/02.

At around 00:00, while patrolling around Sporong informal settlement and Bekkersdal… pic.twitter.com/iZ2i7mcXcQ

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) February 8, 2026

“While patrolling around the Sporong informal settlement in the Bekkersdal area, police stopped a vehicle and found three occupants inside. A search revealed three AK‑47 rifles, wrapped in blankets in the boot, and one suspect was found in possession of ammunition. The three were arrested for unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” says Sibeko.

Sibeko says the suspects are expected to appear in court soon while investigations continue.

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