Former SAPS general arrested in ammunition scandal

A 57-year-old former South African Police Service (SAPS) general has been arrested after investigators discovered more than 100 rounds of police-issued ammunition at his Centurion home.

The arrest follows a raid linked to the murder investigation of former deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi.

SAPS confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

FORMER SAPS GENERAL ARRESTED AFTER CENTURION RAID

According to SAPS, members of the National Cold Case Unit searched the former general’s home on 6 July 2026.

Investigators seized more than 100 rounds of SAPS-issued ammunition, including R5 and 9mm rounds.

They also confiscated documents and electronic devices believed to be relevant to Mfazi’s murder investigation.

In a statement listing national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe as the media contact, SAPS said the suspect had left the police service more than 17 years ago.

“The former general left the SAPS in 2009, and there are no valid reasons for his possession of the SAPS-issued ammunition,” police said.

The former general now faces a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition in contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Police have withheld his identity ahead of his first court appearance.

MFAZI MURDER INVESTIGATION TAKES NEW TURN

The arrest comes as detectives continue investigating the death of Mfazi, who died in July 2021.

His death was initially attributed to COVID-19 complications before investigators uncovered evidence that prompted a murder investigation.

In July 2026, Mathe confirmed that investigators had changed the nature of the case following further investigations.

“We can confirm the case was changed from being registered as an inquest docket to a murder docket,” Mathe said at the time.

She also revealed that examinations conducted after Mfazi’s body was exhumed had detected a poisonous substance.

“The team had to determine whether it was accidentally ingested or whether there was an intention to kill him. After the gathering of evidence and information, the team is quite confident they are investigating a murder case,” Mathe said.

The National Cold Case Unit has since conducted several operations as part of the investigation.

FORMER TOP COP TO APPEAR IN COURT

The 57-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

SAPS has not indicated whether he faces additional charges or whether the ammunition discovery is directly connected to Mfazi’s death.

The former general has not been charged with Mfazi’s murder.

Police have also not disclosed whether further arrests are expected.