A former police general has been arrested for the alleged unlawful possession of ammunition and may also face charges related to possessing documents linked to the investigation into the murder of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mafazi.
National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the yet-to-be-named former officer was arrested during a raid at his home in Centurion by the SAPS National Cold Case Unit.
“A 56-year-old former police general has been arrested for the unlawful possession of more than 100 rounds of South African Police Service (SAPS)-issued ammunition, including R5 and 9mm ammunition.
“The arrest follows a search and seizure operation conducted at his home in Centurion on 6 July 2026 by the SAPS National Cold Case Unit,” said Mathe.
Mathe did not indicate whether the suspect was linked to Mafazi’s killing through suspected poisoning but confirmed that files connected to the murder investigation were seized during the operation.
“During the operation, investigators also seized documents and electronic devices believed to be relevant to the investigation into the murder of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mafazi,” said Mathe.
Mathe said the former member had no legitimate reason to possess SAPS-issued ammunition after leaving the service.
“The former general left the SAPS in 2009, and there are no valid reasons for his possession of the SAPS-issued ammunition,” she said.
The man faces a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition in contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. He is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday, 20 October 2026.