Roodepoort teenager arrested for possession of 50 explosives
A 16-year-old was found to be in possession of these explosives in Gauteng.
Image: SAPS
A Gauteng teenager is expected to appear in court soon after he was found in possession of explosives.
The 16-year-old was arrested earlier this week by members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Crime Intelligence.
The police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said the teenager was arrested for possession and distribution of explosives.
She said the team operationalised after receiving information about suspects selling explosives in and around Motlhakeng.
Police are searching for the criminal networks linked to the explosives.
Image: SAPS
“Information reportedly led the team to an identified address in Roodepoort, where they arrested the teenager and seized 50 blasting cartridges, 25 safety fuse connectors, and detonating cords,” van Wyk said.
She said the investigation remains ongoing. Police are working hard to identify the criminal networks behind the illegal possession and distribution of explosives.
“Explosives are often used in the commission of serious crimes such as cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and illegal mining,” van Wyk added.
The explosives were bagged and seized by police.
Image: SAPS
In December 2025, a routine roadblock in the North West led to the discovery of deadly explosives.
A large quantity of explosives hidden in a vehicle travelling on the N12 between Stilfontein and Klerksdorp during Operation Shanela was seized.
At the time, the provincial police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo, said the haul included an estimated 150 shocktube detonator assemblies, nearly 40 electric shocktube initiators, and five blasting cartridges.
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