South African police have recovered seven high-calibre rifles, including three confirmed to belong to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), during a raid on a suspected safe house in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg.
The operation followed intelligence indicating that a group of suspects was allegedly preparing to carry out a cash-in-transit robbery in Ekurhuleni.
Officers also seized explosives, ammunition, a hijacked BMW and other items believed to have been intended for use during the planned robbery.
The joint operation involved the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS) Highway Patrol and Crime Intelligence, which tracked the suspects to a house in Khumalo Street.
During the search, officers discovered the firearms hidden inside the ceiling of the property.
Military rifles and explosives recovered
Police said seven unlicensed high-calibre rifles were recovered, with three of the firearms positively identified as property of the South African National Defence Force.
The discovery has raised further questions about how military-issued weapons are finding their way into the hands of criminal groups operating in South Africa.
Investigators also confiscated explosives, ammunition and a hijacked BMW, all of which are believed to have been linked to the suspected cash-in-transit robbery plot.
A 41-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and is expected to face charges relating to the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, as well as possession of a hijacked vehicle.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.
Police continue search for additional suspects
EMPD spokesperson Millicent Kekana said the operation was launched after officers received intelligence about a group allegedly planning a cash-in-transit robbery in Ekurhuleni.
According to Kekana, investigators identified a suspected safe house in Khumalo Street where officers recovered the hidden weapons during the search.
She added that the arrested suspect is believed to have links to a cash-in-transit robbery syndicate operating across Gauteng.
Police are continuing to trace other individuals believed to have been involved in the alleged robbery plot.
Cash-in-transit robberies remain one of South Africa’s most organised forms of violent crime, with criminal syndicates frequently using military-style firearms, explosives and stolen vehicles during attacks on security cash vehicles.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations targeting these syndicates in recent years, focusing on disrupting planned robberies before they take place.
Authorities said the investigation will continue to determine the origin of the military rifles and identify everyone connected to the suspected criminal network.
Source: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD); South African Police Service (SAPS).