A high-stakes police operation led to the capture of a notorious weapons merchant in White River, Mpumalanga, early Thursday morning.
Story Summary:
- A notorious arms dealer was apprehended by White River SAPS after a high-speed chase.
- Police uncovered eight AK-47 rifles, two grenades, and additional military-grade weapons in the dealer’s vehicle.
- Authorities are conducting ballistic tests to determine if the firearms were involved in previous crimes.
White River merchant of death caught after high-speed chase
The dealer, found transporting a shocking cache of military-grade firearms, is now in custody, and law enforcement officials are investigating the extent of his criminal network and potential links to violent crime.
Around 04:30 on Thursday, 7 November 2024, members of the SAPS Flying Squad noticed a suspicious white Toyota bakkie during a routine patrol in White River.
The driver, refusing to comply with officers’ commands, attempted to flee at high speed, triggering a police pursuit.
After a tense chase, officers intercepted the vehicle, uncovering a significant haul of firearms and ammunition hidden inside.
Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered an alarming range of weaponry, including eight AK-47 rifles, one R1 rifle, an R4, and an R5 rifle, alongside a pistol, revolver, and two grenades.
Dozens of rounds of live ammunition were also found in the suspect’s possession.
Mpumalanga SAPS noted:
“The swift and decisive action taken by our officers has undoubtedly prevented these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands.”
Police suspect the weapons may have been intended for criminal syndicates or high-level gang operations, given the sophisticated and deadly nature of the arms cache.
The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were involved in other crimes, and additional charges may be brought against the suspect as the investigation progresses.
Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Mpumalanga, commended the officers for their quick response, remarking that this successful operation showcases the dedication of law enforcement to making South Africa’s communities safer.
“Our Festive Season Operation is indeed yielding positive results,” Mkhwanazi stated.
MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, praised the police’s quick thinking and decisive action, stressing the disturbing reality of these military-grade weapons reaching the streets.
“It is very disturbing and worrisome for this kind of dangerous weaponry to be found in the hands of criminals. We don’t know where these firearms were headed or what they were going to be used for,” said Macie.
