KARIEGA – Three suspects were arrested, and two firearms were recovered in Kariega on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and combat serious crime in the area.
“During the month of January 2026, approximately 50 firearms have been recovered across the Nelson Mandela Bay District, reflecting intensified police operations aimed at removing illegal weapons from communities,” she said.
Janse Van Rensburg added that on Tuesday, SAPS Kamesh were busy with a crime prevention operation in the Kamesh precinct when they received information about firearms at the temporary housing settlement in Blikkiesdorp, Kariega.
Acting on the information received, during the search of the premises in Blikkiesdorp the members arrested three suspects.
“The first suspect (15) was found in possession of a .357 magnum revolver with six live rounds of ammunition. The second suspect (30) was found in possession of a 7.65 pistol and 12 live rounds of ammunition.” She added that both suspects were detained on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. “The third suspect (18) was detained on charges of possession of suspected stolen property (copper cable).”
Janse Van Rensburg noted that the minor suspect was released into the care of his mother and the other two suspects were detained. They will both appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court during the week.
The Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, welcomed the arrests and the recovery of the firearms, commending members for their commitment and responsiveness. He highlighted that, apart from the two firearms recovered in this incident, approximately 50 firearms have been recovered across the district during the month of January 2026.
Major General Ncata reiterated that sustained intelligence-driven operations will continue, as the removal of illegal firearms from communities remains a key priority in the fight against violent crime.
