‘Operation Fiyela’ pulls off provincial crime clean-sweep

A joint operation conducted under the umbrella of Operation Fiyela resulted in more than 120 arrests on July 30.

The Department of Home Affairs, Metro Police, private security and South African Police Service officers teamed up to bring criminals to the book in Newcastle, Dundee, Greytown, KwaDukuza, Phoenix, Margate, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown and Port Shepstone.

The one-day sweep was initiated to arrest suspects implicated in the following crimes:

– Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

– Possession of drugs.

– Possession of dagga.

– Illegal immigration.

– Illegal gambling.

– Dealing in liquor without a licence.

– Dealing in illegal cigarettes.

– Possession of counterfeit goods.

– Murder.

– Hijacking.

– Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

– Contravening the Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.

During the course of the operation, a 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of five unlicensed firearms, one of which was an AK47.

The culprit pulled off to the side of the road in an effort to evade the roadblock about 500 metres ahead. Officers realised what was happening and stopped to search the vehicle.

“Five firearms, which are three pistols, a revolver and an AK47 rifle, with numerous rounds of ammunition were found and seized. The seized firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to determine if they were used in the commission of any crime in the country,” read a statement issued by the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Media Centre.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended law enforcement officers for the valiant arrests.

“Working together with other law enforcement agencies makes a huge difference and this partnership will be strengthened for more positive results,” she concluded.

The suspects are expected to appear before their local magistrate’s courts in due course.