Police have recovered three firearms and arrested a 22-year-old man during separate intelligence-driven operations in the Nquthu policing precinct.

The 22-year-old was arrested by Nquthu Detectives during a raid linked to a murder investigation in the Hlazakazi area on August 18.

He was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and was arrested.

The suspect appeared in the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to Monday, August 24.

Two pistols recovered

SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Siyabonga Nkwanyana, said in a separate operation in the early hours of August 21, police acted on intelligence regarding suspects allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms at two identified targets in the Nquthu area.

Two pistols were recovered after suspects allegedly discarded the firearms while attempting to evade arrest.

The suspects managed to flee, and police investigations are continuing to trace and arrest them.

Police target illegal firearms

Umzinyathi District Commissioner Major General Francis Slambert welcomed the operations and commended police members for their efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition.

She said operations would continue to target people involved in the possession and use of illegal firearms, particularly those linked to serious and violent crimes.