POLICE officers from the eThekwini District Task Team, together with private security companies, carried out operations that resulted in seven suspects being charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition as well as possession of a dangerous weapon.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, on November 17, police officers from the eThekwini District Task Team, together with private security companies, received information about a vehicle that was used in the planning to commit a robbery in Cato Manor.

“The vehicle was spotted travelling along Vusi Mzimela and Jan Smuts Highway, and it was intercepted at the intersection of Sparks and Brickfield Road. Seven men, aged between 21 and 32, were placed under arrest after they were found in possession of a revolver and pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition, as well as an okapi knife. Police also seized eight cellphones from the suspects,” said Gwala.

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The suspects were charged with being in unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of a dangerous weapon.

“The vehicle was impounded for further investigation. The men will also be profiled to check if they are involved in robberies committed in Cato Manor and surrounding areas. The suspects are appearing before the Durban Magistrate’s Court today,” said Gwala.

In another separate incident, a joint operation was conducted yesterday at Nsimbini informal settlement in Cato Manor, where information about males carrying firearms was followed.

“Police went to one of the shacks where three males were found in possession of three firearms with 28 rounds of ammunition. During police investigation, it was established that one of the recovered firearms was taken during the cash-in-transit robbery that occurred at Durban Central in June 2022. Three suspects, aged between 28 and 31, were placed under arrest for unlawful possession of firearms and possession of ammunition. Five cellphones were also taken for further investigation,” said the Lieutenant Colonel.

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An investigation conducted by police revealed that one of the suspects was wanted for multiple murders that were committed in Cato Manor. The suspects will appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, November 22.

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