Two arrested in Centurion raid after stolen military rifles recovered

Two people were arrested during a joint operation in Gauteng after police recovered firearms reportedly stolen from a military facility. The arrests followed an intelligence-led raid in the Mooiplaas informal settlement in Erasmia, Centurion.

What happened

Police said the arrests were made on Saturday, June 6, during an operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Items recovered

During the operation, members recovered two R4 rifles with ammunition, a replica firearm and a traffic officer’s uniform.

Allegations and charges

Police said they had acted on information regarding firearms allegedly stolen during a burglary at a military facility in April 2026. Charges opened against the suspects include possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of government property, and contravention of immigration legislation.

Investigation and context

The investigation into the seizure is ongoing to determine whether the suspects may be linked to other criminal activity. The recovery comes amid attention on the security of state armories; the report noted that incidents of stolen military hardware often fuel violent crime syndicates, making joint operations between SAPS tactical units and the SANDF intelligence division a priority for national security.

Next steps

“Cases of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of government property, and contravention of immigration legislation have been opened against the suspects,” police said.

The two suspects are expected to appear in a Gauteng court soon.