Leadnaija
An undocumented foreign national has reportedly been arrested in Gauteng after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS), recovered an unlicensed rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during an Operation PROSPER operation.
The operation was conducted on August 13, 2026, in the Losberg Western Area of Gauteng as part of ongoing efforts targeting illicit mining and other criminal activities.
According to the information released on the operation, members of the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment Alpha Company, deployed under Joint Tactical Headquarters Gauteng, recovered a BRNO rifle fitted with a mounted scope.
A bag containing ammunition was also recovered during the operation.
Hundreds of Rounds of Ammunition Recovered
The recovered ammunition reportedly included 547 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 118 rounds of 9mm ammunition, bringing the total to 665 rounds.
The 7.62mm ammunition was reportedly identified as ammunition for an AK-47-type rifle, while the remaining rounds were 9mm ammunition.
The recovery was made during an operation focused on illicit mining and broader anti-criminality efforts in the area.
Foreign National Arrested
One foreign national was arrested during the operation.
The suspect is reportedly facing allegations relating to the unlawful possession of ammunition and an unlicensed firearm, as well as an alleged contravention of South Africa’s Immigration Act.
The arrest and recovery form part of wider security operations being conducted in Gauteng to combat criminal activity and address security challenges associated with illicit mining.
Operation PROSPER has previously involved joint operations by the SAPS and SANDF, with authorities reporting recoveries of illegal firearms and ammunition during such operations.
SANDF Continues Operation PROSPER
The SANDF, supporting the SAPS, has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting law-enforcement agencies in combating criminality and contributing to safer communities.
The latest Gauteng operation highlights the continued involvement of the military in supporting police operations in areas identified as crime hotspots.
Investigations into the recovered firearm, ammunition and the arrested suspect are expected to continue as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the items and determine whether the suspect is linked to any wider criminal network.
LeadNaija News will continue to monitor developments from Operation PROSPER and any further information released by South African authorities.
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