Firearms dealer laments case of mistaken identity

After rebuilding his reputation as a firearms dealer and training provider in Nelson Mandela Bay, a case of mistaken identity has dealt a Gqeberha businessman a heavy blow, he claims.

Arthur Webb’s name is synonymous with the Bay firearms industry, but he might be forced to take that name off the door at his new shop after his exwife’s arrest for her alleged involvement in providing guns to criminal operations across SA.

While Webb conceded his own conviction and incarceration for tax fraud in 2015 did his reputation no favours, he said it had nothing to do with his current business and his longstanding recognition as a firearms expert and weapons developer.

“Since my release from prison I have worked hard to rebuild my brand and re-establish myself as a trustworthy name in the firearms industry,” he said.

“Since reopening my business, I have been blown away by the support from the Gqeberha community.

“But now my ex-wife’s arrest, and my former involvement in Webb’s Arms, is costing me dearly as people are mistakenly associating me with her and the business she took over from me almost 10 years ago.

“I need to set the record straight,” Webb, 52, said.

Karen Webb was arrested on February 8 and faces several charges, including theft, fraud, defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to smuggle firearms and providing firearms to people not allowed to possess them.

She is accused of stealing firearms from another dealer, Aquila Arms, which had been storing weapons at her business premises in Albany Road.

Karen and the business, Webb’s Arms, have also allegedly been linked to the dozens of firearms found in the possession of criminals in the Bay’s northern areas and other parts of the country.

She remains in custody and will return to court on April 25.

Arthur was the owner and operator of Webb’s Arms for many years, until he was convicted of tax fraud to the tune of R6m and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

In the weeks leading up to his conviction, the process was started for Webb’s Arms to be transferred to his then wife, Karen, who took over operation of the business with her family. Webb said shortly after his sentencing, Karen filed for divorce, and in 2015 his involvement in anything to do with Webb’s Arms ended.

While in prison he studied several courses in personnel management and commercial law, and continued his research into weapons development.

While he was convicted of fraud, his licence to own firearms and to operate as a firearms dealer was never revoked, and he always planned on returning to the industry.

He served five years of his sentence before his release on parole in August 2020, when he started the process of re-establishing himself as a firearms dealer.

“For more than a year I was dependent on the assistance of my brother, the Gqeberha business community, two local churches and a family member in the firearms industry to help me get back on my feet.

“In February 2023, I reopened as Arthur Webb Firearms.

“Thanks to old and new clients, business was going well. I was pleasantly surprised by the support I was receiving.

“And then Karen was arrested and my business was dealt a massive blow.”

Webb described the days after her arrest as an avalanche of angry, rude and threatening calls and messages from across the country as individuals, private security companies and even some nature reserves wanted him to account for their business dealings with Webb’s Arms and his ex-wife.

He is contemplating changing the name of his business, doing away with his family name to avoid further affiliation with the ongoing investigation into Webb’s Arms.

In the meantime, he continues to rebuild beyond just dealing in firearms, but to offer tactical and private training courses at his facility on the corner of Crawford Street and Fir Avenue.

“All I want people to understand is that I have completely distanced myself from Webb’s Arms and the ongoing investigation,” Webb said.

“I have done my time. I truly hope I can put the past behind me and rebuild my business and reputation.”