Police in KwaZulu-Natal have successfully seized five firearms, including three rifles, during an extensive operation across the Umzinyathi District. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals aged between 28 and 53 years old.
According to police spokesperson Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana, the Umzinyathi District Task Team, in partnership with Newcastle Public Order Policing (POP), had been following up on intelligence regarding unlicensed firearms in the area. These weapons were believed to be connected to a recent cash heist in Ekuvukeni.
The operation began at a location within the Wasbank policing precinct, where authorities arrested a suspect who was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and an M4 rifle. In addition, they recovered a motor vehicle that had been reported stolen from Hebron, Gauteng, along with a quantity of ammunition.
A second arrest occurred at a different location, where police confiscated two more rifles, an R5 and an M14, along with additional ammunition. At yet another site, police detained a suspect who was found with four mine explosives and shotgun ammunition. The Glencoe K9 Unit was called to safely handle the explosives, while the Newcastle Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) stepped in to further investigate the matter.
In another part of the district, officers from the Greytown Crime Prevention Unit arrested a man after finding him in possession of a .38 special revolver. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court at the Greytown and Glencoe Magistrate’s courts.
The police operations highlight the ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal arms trade and prevent criminal activity in the region.
