Police in Gauteng have reported a series of arrests and operational breakthroughs over the weekend, including the arrest of a foreign national found in possession of military explosives, the shutdown of illegal liquor outlets, drug-related arrests and the recovery of vehicles linked to a cash-in-transit robbery.
The developments form part of intensified law enforcement operations across the province, as police continue to target serious and violent crime.
In one of the most serious incidents, a 33-year-old foreign national was arrested on Friday, 9 January 2026, after police discovered military explosives at a house in Malvern East, in the Ekurhuleni District. The arrest followed intelligence-driven operations by members of the Anti-Gang Unit, who received information that a suspect was in possession of explosives.
Police moved swiftly on the information and conducted an operation at the identified premises, where the suspect was found with the explosives. He was arrested on the spot and is expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of possession of military explosives.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest and said investigations are continuing to determine the origin and intended use of the explosives.
The arrest drew a strong reaction from ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, who linked the incident to broader concerns around illegal immigration and national security.
“This is the price South Africa is going to pay by supporting illegal immigration. It creates fertile ground for terrorist organisations,” Mashaba said. He further expressed concern about the criminal justice system, claiming that under current political dynamics, suspects face a high likelihood of being granted bail.
Meanwhile, police across Gauteng recorded several operational successes during a multidisciplinary Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela 2, conducted over the weekend. According to a statement released by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner on Sunday, 11 January 2026, police shut down 21 illegal liquor outlets across the province.
Police said illegal liquor outlets are major contributors to contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault and rape. In addition, officers arrested 38 suspects for possession of and dealing in drugs, crimes which police say fuel violence including robbery, domestic violence and theft.
A further 25 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 141 undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised law enforcement officers for their actions and thanked members of the public for assisting police by reporting criminal activity.
“The police will continue to deal decisively with those who sell drugs to our communities, particularly to young people. We also appreciate the public for coming forward with information that helps us dismantle criminal networks,” Mthombeni said.
In addition to visible policing operations, detectives in Gauteng achieved significant success by tracing and arresting 786 suspects wanted for serious crimes. These include murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, car hijacking and theft. The suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts on Monday, 12 January 2026.
In a separate incident, police recovered two vehicles suspected to have been used in a cash-in-transit robbery in Roodepoort on Saturday, 10 January 2026. The robbery occurred on Elias Motsoaledi Road when a cash-in-transit armoured vehicle was rammed by a white Mercedes-Benz travelling in the opposite direction, causing the cash van to overturn.
Police said suspects then bombed the cash van while others exchanged gunfire with a security officer from an escort vehicle. The suspects disarmed three security officers and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, setting alight the Mercedes-Benz before escaping in two BMW vehicles and a Nissan Hardbody bakkie.
A swift response by SAPS units, Gauteng Traffic Police and private security led to the recovery of one BMW and the Nissan Hardbody at a house in Meadowlands, Soweto. A man and a woman found at the house were taken in for questioning. The search for the remaining suspects and the stolen cash is continuing.
Masondo said police remain committed to disrupting organised crime and restoring safety across Gauteng.
