A suspect has been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition in Cato Manor, reports Berea Mail.

The operation was executed on Monday (July 20) after Crime Intelligence received information alleging that a 71-year-old man was involved in firearm manufacturing.

SAPS eThekwini District spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes, said during the operation police arrested the suspect and seized a significant cache of firearms, firearm components, ammunition and equipment allegedly used in the manufacture and modification of firearms.

“He was found to be modifying replica firearms, manufacturing homemade firearms, selling ammunition of various calibres, and supplying these items to buyers within the eThekwini District.”

Police recovered items including three 9mm pistols, seven 9mm pistol frames, two homemade shotguns, eleven firearm barrels of various sizes, eight 9mm pistol slides, 11 firearm magazines, 41 rounds of assorted ammunition, 21 spent cartridges, one MIG 1300 GM Trade welding machine, one CAT DX175 drilling machine, and one CAT DX371 grinding machine.

“The suspect has been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of live ammunition. He remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon. The investigation is continuing, and additional charges may follow as forensic examinations are conducted on the recovered firearms and components,” Rhynes said.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.