Key Takeaways
- The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the South African Police Service (Saps) recovered one mortar bomb, an R1 rifle magazine, and 79 live rounds from a Benoni guest house wendy house.
- The discovery was made after a tip-off led the officers to the location, where they conducted a thorough search and found the explosives and live ammunition.
- The EMPD K9 Unit’s explosive detection dog confirmed the presence of military-grade explosives, and the SAPS Explosive Unit has taken over the investigation.
- No arrests were made in the Benoni case, but the public is urged to report suspicious items or activities to help keep the community safe.
- In a separate incident, a Zimbabwean politician and his uncle were arrested for possession of explosives, including blasting cartridges and connector cap fusers.
Introduction to the Discovery
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the South African Police Service (Saps) made a significant discovery in a Benoni guest house wendy house, uncovering live ammunition and explosives. The discovery was made possible by a tip-off that led the officers to the location, where they conducted a thorough search. The EMPD Community Liaison Unit (CLU) officers and the K9 Unit officers, in collaboration with the Saps Explosive Unit officers, worked together to uncover the hidden explosives and live ammunition in the Lakefield area.
The Search and Discovery
The officers conducted a thorough search of the guest house wendy house, located on Cernan and Lunar Roads, after receiving the tip-off. During the search, a brown box containing suspicious items was located, and the area was cordoned off for safety. The EMPD K9 Unit’s explosive detection dog confirmed the presence of military-grade explosives, leading to the discovery of one 60 mm mortar bomb, one 60 mm illuminating bomb, one R1 rifle magazine, and 79 live rounds of ammunition. The discovery is a significant find, and the SAPS Explosive Unit has taken over the investigation.
The Importance of Community Involvement
The EMPD urged the public to report suspicious items or activities to help keep the community safe. The discovery in Benoni highlights the importance of community involvement in preventing and combating crime. By reporting suspicious activities, members of the public can help law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals who may be involved in illegal activities. The EMPD and Saps work together to keep the community safe, and the public’s assistance is crucial in this effort.
Related Incidents
In a separate incident, a Zimbabwean politician, Job Sikhala, and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema, were arrested for possession of explosives. The two were stopped by police on 6 November 2025 while driving along Kgosi Mampuru Street in Pretoria Central. During the search, police found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 connector cap fusers in their car. The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court granted bail of R10 000 each to Sikhala (53) and Thema (78). The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent the possession and use of explosives.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The discovery of explosives and live ammunition in Benoni and the arrest of the Zimbabwean politician and his uncle for possession of explosives highlight the importance of community involvement and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The public is urged to report suspicious items or activities to help keep the community safe. By working together, we can prevent and combat crime, and ensure that our communities are safe and secure. The EMPD and Saps will continue to work together to keep the community safe, and the public’s assistance is crucial in this effort. If you have any information about suspicious activities or items, please report it to the authorities immediately.