​The Hawks in the Free State have raided a firearm dealer in Bloemfontein, and confiscated more than 1600 weapons.

The owner of Impala Arms in Charlotte Maxeke Street is a Danish national who is currently in custody, facing charges of sexual assault, related to the genital mutilation of several women. He also allegedly ordered the murder of his wife, shortly after he was arrested last year.

According to Provincial Police Commissioner, Simon Mpembe, the raid is meant to ensure the weapons are stored according to the firearms act, and to determine if any have been used in the commission of crimes.