Police are focusing on drugs and other criminal cases and as such, conducted an intelligence-driven operation at the Osizweni policing area on November 11.

According to Captain Madlenkosi Nkosi, Communications Officer for Osizweni SAPS, three suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons.

“The three suspects were arrested at Xolani High School’s main gate (Section B) after contravening the Dangerous Weapons Act 15 of 2013, which states: ‘Any person who is in possession of any dangerous weapon under circumstances which may raise a reasonable suspicion that the person intends to use the dangerous weapon for an unlawful purpose, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years’,” said Nkosi.

He confirmed that the seizing of the weapons was linked to on-going gang wars in Osizweni.

“Police members recovered and seized two panga knives and two cane knives at the scene, further discouraging the carrying of dangerous weapons and to prevent murder and assault cases in the current gang-stricken area of Osizweni. The estimated value for the recovered weapons was approximately R400,” confirmed Capt. Nkosi.

The three suspects, aged 18, 22 and 24 have since appeared at the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court.

According to a media statement received from the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS office, police officials from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit have since been deployed in Newcastle to address the involvement of the Juveniles gang in criminality, within the Osizweni area.

“People’s lives have been lost due to the ongoing feud between groups of youngsters. The team managed to make a breakthrough when they arrested two suspects for murder. The suspects, aged 18 and 24 were arrested on Tuesday, following a lengthy investigation by the team. It is alleged on September 4, 2020 at 9.40pm, Siyabonga Vilakazi (26) was shot and killed at B Section in Osizweni. He sustained gunshot wounds to the upper body and was declared dead at the scene. The suspects appeared before the Madadeni Magistrate Court that Wednesday.”

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, commended the team for the arrest of the suspects.

“We hope these arrests will bring peace and stability in the Osizweni area. More arrests are expected as the team penetrates the Osizweni areas,” he concluded.

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