King Phalo Airport is in East London in the Eastern Cape.
Image: Instagram / @kingphaloairport
A 40-year-old medical doctor is scheduled to appear in the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 28, following his arrest at King Phalo Airport for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The suspect was intercepted by security and police on Friday, April 24, while attempting to board a flight destined for Cape Town.
The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Hazel Mqala, confirmed that law enforcement was alerted to the airport after a suspicious discovery during the routine screening of the passenger's belongings.
“Upon searching his luggage, officers recovered a firearm and 59 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect could not produce a licence or any valid permit for the firearm or ammunition,” Mqala said.
The confiscated weapon has been sent for ballistic testing to determine if it has been linked to any previous criminal activities. This is standard procedure in cases involving unlicensed firearms in South Africa, as police work to track the history of illegal weapons circulating in the Eastern Cape.
Buffalo City District Police Commissioner, Major General Christopher Wright, praised the KuGompo police for their vigilance during the operation. He emphasized that maintaining safety in high-traffic public areas remains a top priority for the district.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to removing illegal firearms from our communities, especially in public spaces such as airports. We urge anyone with information about unlicensed firearms to contact their nearest police station,” Wright said.
The suspect currently faces formal charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of 59 rounds of live ammunition. The investigation is ongoing as authorities look into the origin of the weapon.
IOL