High-intensity operation nets illegal firearms and closes down shebeens

High-density, Intelligence-driven police operations have yielded great results, with unlicensed firearms seized and several illegal shebeens closed.
An operation, throughout the Umzinyathi District last Friday, saw various policing units combine.
“This operation primarily targeted the raiding of illegal shebeens, disruptive activities, stop and search operations, suspect raiding, compliance inspections, roadblocks and searches for hazardous weapons,” explained SAPS communications officer Siyabonga Nkwanyana.
He added that the operation yielded three unlicensed rifles (AK-47 and .303) and 22 rounds of ammunition; the closure of five shebeens; and the issuing of 12 traffic tickets to motorists who had disobeyed traffic laws.
All suspects are to appear in the Msinga Magistrate’s Court soon.
In a separate incident, the Pietermaritzburg Public Order Policing and Crime Intelligence units conducted an operation after receiving information about a person in the Wineka area.
However, as they approached the identified home, the suspect fled.
One firearm and two air pistols were subsequently found.
“To prevent violent crimes from occurring in our district, the SAPS will keep seizing firearms,” said Nkwanyana.