Three bodyguards of the Mandeni mayor Siphesihle Zulu were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms on Tuesday.

They were arrested at Mount Edgecombe in Durban carrying four pistols, one rifle and live rounds of ammunition.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed that these guns were used to protect the mayor.

Two of the bodyguards are employed by the municipality and one is employed by a security company.

According to police minister Fikile Mabalula, the third bodyguard is employed by the same company that employs two bodyguards for the regional secretary of the ANC Ethekwini, Mdumseni Ntuli, who were captured on video showing off their weapons. The video went viral earlier this month and they were later suspended.

“I have engaged with Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) who is the custodian of security companies in our country, surely we can’t have security companies who have employees who are the law into themselves.

“I need answers from PSIRA on what action they will take against this security company,” said Mbalula.

Zulu claims the Mandeni municipality had done background checks to ensure that the guards were competent to carry a firearm and that they possess legally registered firearms.

“The municipality has records of all the necessary compliance documentation.

“We have to state that under no circumstance do I or my administration condone the use of any unlawful firearms.

“We adhere to and promote the framework and legislation regarding the possession and use of firearms,” said Zulu.

The three bodyguards were released without bail and the firearms have been sent for ballistic testing.

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