Major Blow to Illegal Firearms Trade in Gauteng as Hawks Arrest Suspected Dealer

In a significant crackdown on illegal firearms dealing in Gauteng, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, arrested 56-year-old Mark Llewellyn Kannemeyer on charges of illegal possession and dealing in firearms and ammunition. The arrest took place on the morning of Wednesday, November 20, 2024, following meticulous planning and intelligence gathering by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based on the West Rand.

The operation was set into motion when the Hawks received actionable intelligence on November 18, 2024, about an individual dealing with an AR15 rifle and various types of ammunition. Subsequently, a search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed during a prearranged meeting early on the designated day at Randgate, Randfontein. This initial confrontation led to the discovery of an AR15 rifle with its serial number filed off, which Kannemeyer, employed by security firm G4S, claimed belonged to his employer.

Further investigation rolled out at Kannemeyer's residential premises on Fowler Street in Westonaria. An extensive search of the home yielded three additional firearms and a large cache of over 2,300 rounds of various calibers of ammunition. According to Kannemeyer, these too belonged to G4S, a claim that he backed with a permit, which the authorities are currently verifying.

Kannemeyer appeared in the Randfontein Magistrate's Court on Friday, November 22, 2024. The case is set to continue on Thursday, November 28, 2024, for a formal bail application. This case shines a light on the persistent issues of illegal firearm distribution and possession threatening community safety in South Africa.

In a statement, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, expressed satisfaction with the operation's outcome. He reiterated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks endangering citizens through illegal firearms and pledged continued vigorous pursuit of justice to combat such activities.

This operation is a part of an ongoing effort by the Hawks to clamp down on organized crime and illegal firearm trafficking, aligning with national initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and security across communities in South Africa.