…as SAPS labels Basotho gangsters “extremely dangerous”
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE South African Police Service (SAPS) this week recovered six AK47 rifles and four pistols from Basotho allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in South Africa.
While it is not yet clear whether the 10 firearms are among those stolen from the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) armoury, SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, told the Lesotho Times yesterday that the weapons were recovered from Basotho suspects during three separate operations.
During the operations, four Basotho illegal miners were killed in shootouts with the South African police, seven others were arrested, while several suspects fled. SAPS said investigations and the pursuit of remaining suspects are ongoing.
Carletonville
According to the SAPS, their National Intervention Unit (NIU) carried out an intelligence-driven operation in Carletonville early on Sunday morning after receiving information that illegal miners were in possession of a large cache of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“Upon arrival at the targeted house at around 04:00 on Sunday, members observed suspects attempting to flee by jumping through windows. The suspects immediately opened fire on police officers, and members responded accordingly,” SAPS said in a statement.
“A prolonged exchange of gunfire, estimated to have lasted two hours, ensued between the suspects and police. As a result of the confrontation, two illegal miners were declared dead at the scene. Two AK47 rifles, two pistols and ammunition were seized. Despite the high risk and intensity of the operation, no police officers were injured.
“The suspects, identified as Basotho nationals, are assessed as extremely dangerous and pose a serious threat to public safety, as they showed no hesitation in engaging police. Police continue to conduct surveillance operations in the area to apprehend those who fled into nearby bushes.”
In a separate operation, the SAPS National Intervention Unit in Pretoria responded to intelligence about heavily armed illegal miners at the Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mine, also in Carletonville, early on Sunday morning.
“At around 04:00, police arrived at the scene, prompting suspects to flee while blowing whistles. A shootout ensued between police and the illegal miners. Two suspects were fatally wounded, and four others were arrested.
“Police recovered one AK47 rifle, two 9mm pistols and ammunition. A state-owned vehicle was damaged during the shootout. No police officers were injured. Investigations are continuing.”
Meanwhile, the Gauteng SAPS Provincial Illegal Mining Stabilisation Team intercepted a maroon Toyota Corolla sedan in Bekkersdal, West Rand District, in the early hours of the same Sunday, 8 February 2026.
“At around midnight, while patrolling the Sporong informal settlement and Bekkersdal areas, police stopped the vehicle and found three occupants. A search revealed three AK47 rifles wrapped in blankets in the boot, and one suspect was found in possession of ammunition.
“The three suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” SAPS said.
However, Brig Mathe could not divulge further details due to ongoing investigations.
“I can only confirm that all the incidents involve Basotho nationals,” she said.
The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) said it was unaware of the developments, despite investigating the theft of firearms from the LDF.
LMPS new spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, said the police had neither sought SAPS assistance in tracing the stolen LDF firearms nor received information about the 10 weapons recovered or Basotho found in possession of them.
“We are not aware of any arrests of Basotho nationals in Gauteng in connection with firearms,” Supt Mohai said.
“I cannot confirm whether these incidents are linked to the firearms stolen from Makoanyane Barracks. In due course, we will disclose details if they are among the suspected perpetrators, once there has been communication between the South African police and the LMPS.”
Three LDF members have been charged in connection with the theft of state firearms. Those are; Corporals Letseka Tšitso, Mosuoe Letšoana and Lerato Sechoala.
According to the charge sheet, the trio allegedly stole five Galil rifles, four AK47 rifles, one 9mm P-line automatic pistol and two 7.65mm pistols from Makoanyane Barracks in November 2025, acting in furtherance of a common purpose. They remain in Lesotho Correctional Service custody pending a bail hearing.
Sources close to the ongoing LMPS investigations allege that the syndicate behind the thefts involves both serving and retired soldiers, with more arrests expected. Some of the stolen firearms have already been recovered in Mohale’s Hoek after being sold to civilians.
The sources said small firearms sell locally for about M6000, while high-calibre rifles fetch up to M35 000, with even higher prices in South Africa. There, pistols are reportedly sold to illegal miners for around M20 000, while high-calibre rifles such as AK47s and Galils fetch between M70 000 and M100 000.
The sources further allege that suspects would steal firearm components over time. On one day a barrel would be taken, and on another day a spring. These parts were removed from damaged firearms, including AK-47s and Galil rifles. Once reassembled, intermediaries outside the army would approach buyers, mainly famo gang members who are engaged in illegal mining in South Africa.
The sources said that while confirmation from South African authorities is still pending, the recovered weapons are believed to form part of a broader pattern of theft from the LDF.
