Two men, aged 24 and 39, were arrested in Estcourt after police uncovered a stash of unlicensed firearms hidden inside a room on Alexander Street, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The bust took place on Tuesday during an operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation—better known as the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit—based in Pietermaritzburg.
KZN police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, confirmed that the arrests followed a tip-off about illegal firearms circulating in the area. Acting on this intelligence, officers conducted a thorough search of the premises and discovered two pistols concealed in a hidden packet. The weapons had their serial numbers deliberately removed, and the suspects were unable to provide any legal documentation for their possession.
“The suspects were subsequently placed under arrest and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms. The estimated street value of the seized firearms is R20,000,” Ncane stated.
The confiscated pistols will undergo ballistics testing to determine whether they have been linked to any criminal activity in the region. The suspects appeared before the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to face charges related to the illegal possession of firearms.
Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, praised the officers for their swift and decisive action. He stressed the importance of public cooperation in the fight against illegal firearms, highlighting that community involvement remains a critical element in curbing organised crime across the province.
