Police have arrested a 42-year-old man after recovering seven unlicensed firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation in the Umzinyathi District.

The operation was carried out by the Umzinyathi District Crime Intelligence Unit, assisted by the Newcastle Public Order Police Unit, at Bahulazi Reserve in the Nhlanhleni policing area in the Pomeroy area during the early hours of today, Tuesday, August 4.

Intelligence-led operation

According to SAPS Umzinyathi spokesperson Sergeant Siyabonga Nkwanyana, police acted on information that the suspect was allegedly in possession of illegal firearms and was hiring them out to individuals linked to stock theft.

“When members searched the premises, they recovered seven unlicensed firearms comprising three rifles and four pistols, together with ammunition. The suspect was immediately arrested for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Nkwanyana.

The firearms seized included a .303 rifle, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, an SKS 7.62 rifle and four pistols.

The suspect is being held at Nhlanhleni (Pomeroy) Police Station and is expected to appear in the Msinga Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Firearms to undergo ballistic tests

Nkwanyana said all the recovered firearms would undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they had been used in the commission of other crimes elsewhere in the country.

Umzinyathi District Commissioner Major General Francis Slambert praised the officers involved in the operation.

“We will not tolerate unlicensed firearms being in the hands of criminals. The recovery of these firearms is a significant step in preventing serious and violent crime. We remain committed to removing illegal firearms from our communities and ensuring offenders are brought to justice,” he said.

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