Two suspects, aged 27 and 45, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during intelligence-led police operations in the Msinga area last week.

Intelligence leads to arrests

SAPS spokesperson Sgt Siyabonga Nkwanyana said Umzinyathi District Crime Intelligence, working with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Tracing Team, acted on information received on Thursday, January 8.

“Police followed up on intelligence about a suspect allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms,” said Nkwanyana.

On arrival at the identified location, officers arrested a suspect found in possession of a .38 Special revolver with ammunition, as well as a Protector shotgun.

In a separate operation on Friday, January 9, members of the National Intervention Unit conducted an intelligence-driven operation at Mabomvini, under the Msinga policing precinct.

“One suspect was arrested and found in possession of a 9mm pistol with ammunition,” Nkwanyana said.

Police then proceeded to a second target location, where the suspect fled the scene. However, officers recovered an unlicensed pistol with ammunition that had been abandoned.

In addition to the firearm-related arrests, a block-and-search operation was conducted in Msinga and the Nhlanhleni central business district, resulting in the arrest of several undocumented foreign nationals.

Umzinyathi District Commissioner Maj Gen Francis Slambert commended the members involved.

“The South African Police Service in Umzinyathi remains committed to eradicating illegal firearms and ensuring the safety and security of all communities,” she said.

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