A Bizana Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson was arrested on Sunday for possession of two unlicensed firearms, Eastern Cape police said.

Superintendent Mike Fatyela said the 35-year-old man was arrested during a raid by the national intervention unit in the Amadiba location.

"He was found in possession of two 9mm pistol with five rounds of ammunition," said Fatyela.

He said police conducted routine raids in Amadiba where 18 people had been killed in incidents since last year.

"More police were deployed in the area after people were killed and had their private parts removed allegedly for muti purposes. The last murder was in March this year," said Fatyela.

Five people were arrested in connection with these murders and had appeared in court. They were still in police custody.

The CPF chairperson was expected to appear in the Bizana Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Sapa