A former South African soldier has been arrested on a farm in the Eastern Cape for being in possession of several illegal firearms and ammunition.

Acting on a tip-off the Hawks found among others two 303 rifles with just over 200 rounds of ammunition, and two 2.2 rifles with over 150 rounds ammunition.

The 58-year-old man who owns a private school reportedly claimed that the firearms belonged to his father. The Hawks say he however could not produce any documentation to confirm this.

The suspect is expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court.