The Ladysmith Tactical Response Team (TRT) arrested two suspects and recovered two unlicensed firearms while working in the Ezakheni area last week.
In two separate incidents on Wednesday and Thursday, TRT members were following up on information on unlicensed firearms which led them to a playground in Ezakheni A-Section.
Two people were searched and one of them was found to be in possession of an unlicensed 9mm Beretta pistol along with ammunition. The 24-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared in the Ezakheni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The case was remanded to Thursday, October 23.
In another incident on Thursday in Ezakheni E-Section, a 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and ammunition.
The suspect appeared in the Ezakheni Magistrate’s Court the same day, and the case was remanded to Monday, October 20. Both suspects face charges of being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The firearms recovered will be sent away for ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in the commission of any crimes.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, praised the officers for the arrests and recovery of firearms.
“The level of violence in the Ezakheni area is unacceptable and I am pleased that local police are doing something positive to minimise violent crimes in the area,” she said.
