Construction workers renovating a residence in Rondebosch got the shock of their lives when they unearthed rifle ammunition for an R1, buried for about 40 years.

"The workers were digging trenches to build a wall when they found the rounds of ammunition buried in the ground. They contacted the police, and sniffer dogs were brought to the scene," said Claremont police spokeswoman Angie Latchman.

The men found 65 rounds of rusted R1 ammunition at the site. Police said the bullets were about 40 years old.