A routine early‑morning blue‑light patrol by the South African Police Service in the Khwenxurha policing area resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals, and the recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition, suspected stolen property and cash along a major transport route.
At approximately 1:00 AM on July 25, officers stopped a suspicious white Toyota Avanza heading toward East London along the N2 near Mzwini Location. A search of the vehicle revealed two unlicensed 9 mm pistols and cartridges totaling 25 live rounds. Police also recovered various clothing items believed to be stolen and an unspecified sum of money .
The three male suspects—whose nationalities were identified as foreign and undocumented—were immediately arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property. The vehicle and all items recovered were seized for evidence and submitted to case investigators .
Station Commander Captain Lubabalo Kanuka praised the police team’s vigilance and professionalism, highlighting the arrest as evidence of the effectiveness of visible blue‑light patrols in curbing crime and enhancing public safety on key roadways .
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 28, 2025. The case remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine whether the seized firearms and ammunition are linked to other criminal syndicates or violent incidents in the Eastern Cape.
This operation reflects a wider national effort by SAPS to disrupt the proliferation of illegal firearms and organized criminal activity, particularly among undocumented foreign nationals suspected of involvement in stock theft, armed robberies, and violent crime across South Africa.
Community members are urged to report any suspicious activity or criminal networks anonymously via Crime Stop or the MySAPS App.