Two arrested on the R56 near Steynsburg with three air rifles in a bag

Two men, aged 22 and 20, were arrested on the R56 outside Steynsburg on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at about 18:45 and charged with unlawful possession of firearms, the South African Police Service says.

Members of the Crime Prevention Unit were on crime prevention duties when they received information about two males sitting next to the R56, roughly five kilometres in the direction of Middelburg, allegedly waiting for a buyer for suspected stolen firearms. Under the supervision of the Vispol Commander, the members acted on the information and went to the location.

As police approached, the two matched the description and ran. The members gave chase and caught them. One was found with a black rifle bag holding two rifles, and the other was found with one rifle. Three air rifles were recovered and booked as exhibits.

The pair appeared before the Steynsburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 November 2026 and were remanded in custody. The case has been postponed for further investigation, and police say the investigation continues to establish where the recovered air rifles came from.

“The Steynsburg CPU members are commended for their vigilance and swift response that led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of three air rifles. Illegal firearms have no place in communities. The public is encouraged to continue reporting criminal activity to SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said the District Commissioner of Joe Gqabi District, Major General Lindelwa Vellem.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape, with enquiries directed to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana. The full statement is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72195.