Three men have been arrested after officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) CCTV Reaction Unit recovered two unlicensed rifles and live ammunition during a routine crime prevention patrol in Jeppestown.
The arrests were made on the evening of Monday, 27 July 2026, after JMPD officers spotted a suspicious white Toyota Corolla Quest travelling along Jules Street with three occupants.
According to the JMPD, officers intercepted the vehicle at the intersection of Hand and Hanau streets near the Jeppe Hostel to conduct a routine inspection.
As officers approached the vehicle, they noticed what appeared to be an AK-style rifle inside the car.
Rather than confronting the suspects immediately, the officers secured the scene, called for backup and continued engaging the driver without alerting the occupants that the firearm had been spotted.
Once additional officers arrived, the three occupants, who allegedly showed visible signs of being under the influence of alcohol, were instructed to exit the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the suspects and the vehicle led to the recovery of two rifles with their serial numbers filed off, along with live ammunition.
Police said the suspects were unable to provide a lawful explanation or documentation for possessing the firearms.
The three men were arrested and detained at the Jeppe South African Police Service (SAPS) station. They have been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The JMPD praised the professionalism of the CCTV Reaction Unit officers, saying their tactical approach prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
“The JMPD commends the Reaction Unit officers for their tactical discipline, bravery and alertness, which prevented potential violent crime and ensured high-calibre illegal weapons were safely removed from our communities,” Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson said.
The seized firearms will undergo further forensic examination as investigations continue. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or further arrests as detectives work to determine whether the weapons are linked to other criminal activities.