A 56-year-old former police general has been arrested for allegedly possessing more than 100 rounds of South African Police Service (SAPS)-issued ammunition, including R5 and 9mm ammunition.
The arrest was announced by the SAPS on Tuesday, following an investigation by its National Cold Case Unit into the murder of Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi.
The former senior police officer is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to face a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition in contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
According to SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrest follows a search and seizure operation conducted at the suspect’s home in Centurion on July 6 this year.
During the operation, investigators seized ammunition, documents and electronic devices believed to be relevant to the investigation into Mfazi’s murder.
“The 56-year-old former police general was found in possession of more than 100 rounds of SAPS-issued ammunition, including R5 and 9mm ammunition,” Mathe said.
She said the former general left the police service in 2009 and there were no valid reasons for him to possess the ammunition issued by the SAPS.
The discovery has resulted in a separate criminal charge against the former officer, who will have to answer to allegations of contravening the country’s firearms legislation.
The Firearms Control Act regulates the possession and use of firearms and ammunition in South Africa. The charge against the former general relates specifically to the alleged unlawful possession of ammunition.
While the ammunition was seized during an operation linked to the investigation into Mfazi’s murder, SAPS has not indicated that the former general has been charged with the murder itself.
Investigators also confiscated documents and electronic devices during the July operation. The police have not disclosed the contents of the seized material or whether it has yielded further evidence in the murder investigation.
The National Cold Case Unit is responsible for investigating unresolved cases, including serious crimes where investigators seek to identify suspects and secure evidence that could lead to prosecutions.
The arrest places renewed focus on the investigation into Mfazi’s killing, although the police have not provided further details about the circumstances of his murder or the progress made in establishing who was responsible.
The former general’s identity has not been disclosed in the police statement.
His appearance in court is expected to mark the next step in the ammunition case, where the allegations will be dealt with through the criminal justice process.
The SAPS has not indicated whether further arrests are expected in connection with the ammunition investigation or the murder probe.
