High-density police operations have once again yielded positive results in the Umzinyathi District, with five suspects arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

According to SAPS spokesperson, Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana, the first breakthrough came on 20 August 2025 during an operation led by Greytown Station Commander, Colonel Themba Sithole. Working with the Pietermaritzburg Public Order Policing Unit, the Umgungundlovu Flying Squad, the Umgungundlovu Task Team, and local partners, police swooped on the Engome area in the Greytown precinct.

“Three suspects were arrested. Two were found with unlicensed firearms — a .308 rifle and a 9mm pistol — while the third suspect was in possession of ammunition,” Nkwanyana confirmed.

In a separate intelligence-driven operation on 21 August 2025, Umzinyathi District Crime Intelligence, working with the Glencoe K9 Unit, arrested another suspect in the Nhlanhleni policing area. The suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Later that day, a further high-density operation in Greytown resulted in the arrest of a fifth suspect, who was found with a .38 Special revolver.

All confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in previous crimes. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Msinga and Greytown Magistrates’ Courts.

Umzinyathi District Commissioner, Major General Francis Slambert, praised the coordinated police work.
“We shall never get tired of bringing perpetrators to justice. Our primary aim is to make Umzinyathi a crime-free zone,” she said.

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