Gauteng government hails Westonaria firearms bust
Ten suspected illegal miners arrested in Westonaria are taken into custody along with an AK-47, pistols, and ammunition.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has hailed a breakthrough against violent crime following the arrest of eleven suspects and the seizure of a large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition during a coordinated operation in Westonaria.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven takedown led by South African Police Service units working in collaboration with Sibanye Stillwater Mine Security.
Eleven people were taken into custody, including nine Basotho nationals, one Mozambican national and one South African citizen, marking one of the most significant firearm recoveries in the area in recent months.
The suspects are facing a range of serious charges, including multiple counts of possession of unlicensed firearms, harbouring undocumented persons and defeating the ends of justice.
“One of the suspects found in possession of the AK-47 is a person of interest in connection with the serious and violent Bekkersdal mass shootings that killed nine people,” the government said.
The provincial government also welcomed the arrest of the individual who allegedly operated an illegal liquor outlet where the deadly shootings took place, describing it as a critical development in the broader investigation.
“The investigation into this outlet found serious violations, such as having fake permits with the same reference numbers given to different people, wrong validity dates, and no official approval.
“This event underscores the direct connection between unlicensed liquor stores and serious crime and violence in our province,” it said.
Authorities warned that premises selling illegal alcohol frequently become breeding grounds for organised crime, gang activity and violent territorial disputes that spill into surrounding communities.
“They also represent massive tax evasion, health hazards, deprive the state of revenue for services, create unfair competition for lawful businesses, and foster corruption.”
GPG said the success of the Westonaria operation demonstrated the value of strong partnerships between private security and integrated law enforcement agencies in restoring order and dismantling criminal networks.
The provincial government urged residents to remain vigilant and work closely with police by reporting illegal firearms and unlawful businesses.
IOL Politics