Two men arrested for possession of an illegal firearm have appeared in court in connection with two unrelated cases of murder and house robbery committed in Motherwell in January 2026.
Nkosikhana Matsini (31) and Bulela Malunga (21) appeared in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The matter was remanded to 6 March 2026 for a formal bail application.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation by the Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combatting Unit (CCU) in Gqeberha. The pair face charges of murder as well as possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
Police said that on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at about 12:30, CCU members received information about suspects allegedly hiding at a B&B in Cotswold. During further investigation, the suspects led officers to an address in Mqanda Street, New Brighton.
A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a 9mm Taurus firearm with its serial number filed off, along with ammunition.
Earlier, on Monday, 23 February 2026, Matsini appeared in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. He was granted bail of R500 and warned to reappear on 22 April 2026. A second suspect detained in connection with a separate New Brighton murder case was released after the matter was not enrolled.
Before their release on the same day, detectives from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Motherwell arrested both suspects in connection with the unrelated January 2026 murder and house robbery cases, ensuring they remained in custody to face further prosecution.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major General Vuyisile Ncata commended officers for their coordinated efforts, saying the recovery of illegal firearms and the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes demonstrated SAPS’s commitment to protecting communities and ensuring justice is served.
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