Gunfire erupted during a police operation in Maphumulo on Monday that led to the arrest of seven men and the seizure of high-powered firearms and ammunition.

The intelligence-driven raid was carried out by iLembe district police, in collaboration with tactical response teams from KwaDukuza, Empangeni and Ulundi.

Officers were acting on information on men linked to serious violent crimes, including cash-in-transit robberies, attempted murder, stock theft, carjacking and vehicle theft.

Police were led to a homestead in Masiwela Village, within the Maphumulo policing precinct. As they approached, a 30-year-old man opened fire on officers.

“Police returned fire and the suspect fled the scene,” said iLembe police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar.

Inside the homestead, officers found seven men and a cache of illegal weapons. The haul included:

• One AK47 assault rifle

• One R5 rifle, believed to be a stolen police-issued firearm

• Three pistols

• Two .303 rifles

• One shotgun

• 53 live rounds of ammunition

Several firearms had serial numbers filed off, making it likely that they were being used in organised crime.

The men, aged between 25 and 65, were arrested on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

They are expected to appear in the Maphumulo Magistrates’ Court soon. Police say investigations are continuing and further arrests are possible.

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