35-YEAR-OLD BUSINESSMAN TO APPEAR IN COURT AFTER PROHIBITED FIREARM AND SAPS STAMPS SEIZED IN BENDOR RAID, POLOKWANE
POLOKWANE – A well-coordinated search and seizure operation conducted on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, led to the discovery of an illegal commission of oath operation inside a business premises at Bendor Office Park in Polokwane. The operation was executed following actionable intelligence.
Information received indicated that the business was unlawfully administering oaths and certifying documents using a police-issued stamp belonging to Westernburg SAPS. A search and seizure warrant was obtained, and the joint operational teams comprising the Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit proceeded to the premises.
During the search, police recovered SAPS certification stamps believed to have been unlawfully used, along with multiple documents that had been illegally certified. The team also seized a 9mm Norinco pistol with seven (07) live rounds of ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm is classified as prohibited, with official records confirming that it had previously been destroyed.
Following the search, a 35-year-old business owner was traced and arrested later the same evening. He will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 20 November 2025, facing charges of:
Possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition;
Contravention of Section 66 of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 (impersonating a police official); and
Contravention of the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act 16 of 1963.
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the teams for swiftly disrupting an operation that sought to undermine the integrity of the justice system.
“The abuse of police insignia and the illegal administration of oaths pose a serious threat to public trust and the credibility of official processes. We will continue to act decisively against anyone involved in such unlawful activities,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing.
