A 26-year-old man arrested for the possession of explosives at Mapetla Section in the Mmakau policing area

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Bojanala District has arrested a 26-year-old man for the possession of explosives following an intelligence driven operation conducted at Mapetla Section in the Mmakau policing area on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The arrest follows information received by police on Thursday, 12 November 2026, regarding a man allegedly in possession of explosives suspected to have been stolen from a local mine.

Following the information, members conducted further investigations and verified the suspect's whereabouts. The information was subsequently shared with the operational team, resulting in a tactical operation at the identified address at approximately 09:00 on Friday.

Upon arrival, police found the suspect at the premises and conducted a search, during which explosives were discovered. The 26-year-old man was immediately arrested.

The suspect is reportedly an employee at a mine, where he works as a drilling assistant operator.

The explosives seized during the operation included
24 cartridges of Magnum Buster Gel and 30 sock tubes with an estimated value of R8 000.00.

The operation was conducted through the collaboration of Brits Crime Intelligence and the Brits Trio Task Team.

North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, commended the members involved for their swift response to the intelligence received and their continued efforts to prevent the illegal possession and distribution of explosives.

The Provincial Commissioner emphasised that the illegal possession and trade of explosives pose a serious threat to public safety and cannot be tolerated. He further urged members of the community to continue sharing information with the police to assist in preventing crime and ensuring the safety of communities.

The suspect is expected to appear before Brits Magistrates' Court on Monday, 16 November 2026, for contraventions of the Explosive Act and theft