Three arrested in Groutville gunfire incident: Police seize unlicensed firearms
Charges including drunken driving and possession of unlicensed firearms have been filed against the suspects arrested.
Police recovered five illegal guns in Groutville in two weeks, thanks to tip-offs from residents.
Three people were arrested in the early hours on Tuesday after a resident heard gunshots in Hangoes, Groutville.
Police patrolled the area and upon stopping a vehicle found the driver to be intoxicated, accompanied by two passengers.
When the car was searched they found a 9mm pistol and Taurus rifle, along with live ammunition.
Police cluster spokesperson, Captain Alex Thomson, said the three were taken into custody and charged.
“The first person faces charges including drunken driving, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of live ammunition, and discharging a firearm in public.
The second suspect is charged with possession of a firearm while suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and discharging a firearm, while the third faces charges related to unlawful possession of live ammunition and discharging a firearm,” said Thomson.
They will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, March 20.
In another incident, a 47-year-old Groutville resident was arrested last Wednesday for possession of illegal firearms.
According to KwaDukuza police spokesperson, constable Sipesihle Myeni, three illegal firearms – a shotgun, a pistol, and a rifle, along with ammunition – were found in the man’s house after police received a tip-off. He was arrested and charged.
Police also found two licensed pistols on top of a headboard in a bedroom and the homeowner was also charged for failing to safeguard the firearms.
iLembe District Commissioner Major General Anthony Gopaul said these arrests mark a significant victory in the ongoing battle against criminal activities in the region.
Gopaul emphasised the importance of such proactive policing measures in ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further criminal activities.
He urged the community to maintain close cooperation with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activities promptly.
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