During the past week various stations and units in KwaZulu-Natal embarked on operations to root-out illegal firearms that are in the hands of the criminals as part of the Festive Operational plan.

These operations, which commenced on November 15 and ended on November 22, yielded excellent results with 47 unlicensed firearms being recovered as well 1035 rounds of ammunition being seized.

A total of 46 suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Operations undertaken were inclusive of various clusters across the province. Suspects were arrested in possession of unlicensed pistols, shotguns, home-made firearms and rifles. All the arrested suspects were charged and appeared at various magistrate’s courts across the province.

“We are eagerly making use of all our resources to eradicate any illegal use of unlicensed firearms thus ensuring our mandate of serving and protecting our communities.

“Again we would like to stress to all those that possess illegal firearms to surrender them freely as the full might of the law shall take its course if otherwise found. “Whilst I wish to congratulate the various units and police stations across the province that have recovered these illegal firearm we still believe that there are many illegal firearms in circulation.

“We once again urge the community to come forward should they be aware of any person who is in possession of an illegal firearm,” said Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni.