Municipal workers in South Africa made a significant discovery on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, while working near Malay Camp in Sunrise, De Aar, in the Northern Cape province. The workers stumbled upon crates containing ammunition and immediately alerted the police. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was quick to respond, deploying a team to conduct a preliminary assessment of the find. The area was cordoned off to ensure public safety.
The ammunition, estimated to be worth R7 million (approximately $400,000), consists of about 15,000 rounds of .303 ammunition. According to the police, the rounds are believed to date back to the Anglo-Boer War, a conflict fought between the British Empire and Boer republics in southern Africa between 1899 and 1902. The discovery has sparked a police investigation into how the cache came to be stored in the area. Authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the find.
A multidisciplinary team, comprising members of the Local Criminal Record Centre, Explosives Unit, K9 Unit, and Sunrise detectives, was deployed to investigate the discovery. The team worked to safely retrieve the ammunition, with the assistance of military personnel. On Friday, October 9, the team returned to the location and successfully recovered approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition.
The police have urged members of the public not to touch or tamper with suspected ammunition, explosives, or other potentially dangerous military materials. Residents are advised to report such discoveries immediately so trained personnel can assess the risks and arrange for safe removal. This warning comes as authorities continue to investigate the origin of the ammunition and how it came to be stored near Malay Camp.
The SAPS has registered an enquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery. Investigators are working to determine the precise origin of the recovered ammunition and identify any suspects in connection with its presence at the site. The police have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and will work to uncover the facts surrounding the discovery.
The discovery of the historic ammunition has significant implications for the community and the country as a whole. The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure that the area is safe and secure. The SAPS has assured the public that they will provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
The safe retrieval of the ammunition was a collaborative effort between the police and military personnel. The successful operation highlights the importance of cooperation between different agencies in responding to and managing potentially hazardous situations. Authorities have not disclosed any further details on the investigation, but it is clear that the discovery of the historic ammunition has sparked a significant response from law enforcement agencies.
Key points
- The ammunition is believed to date back to the Anglo-Boer War.
- The police have urged the public not to touch or tamper with suspected ammunition.
- The investigation into the origin of the ammunition is ongoing.
