RNM weapons: Three findings reported

The Saps National Intervention Unit (NIU) has been ordered to return the weapons it confiscated from the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.

This follows a recent high court ruling that the recent seizure of the municipality’s firearms was unlawful.

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The NIU confiscated the weapons for ballistic testing in August to determine if they had been used in the commission of a crime, with a particular focus on political killings.

The weapons were reportedly not returned on time, leading the municipality to approach the court.

The national task team was directed to return the firearms with immediate effect.

Although the weapons were returned to the municipality, it is believed that there were three findings pertaining the confiscated weapons.

The findings include the fact that an official kept the keys, one firearm had not been found in the Saps register, and that the barcode on the third firearm had been handwritten.

This reportedly raised alarm bells by those investigating, however, RNM municipal manager Max Mbili said they will be challenging two of the outcomes in court.

Asked if this was politically motivated Mr Mbili said they are only dealing with what is presented before them.

“The municipality had been exonerated by the court, and this decision reaffirms that no-one is above the law. The municipality will always cooperate with law enforcement agencies if they want to carry out an investigation, but it will not allow the abuse of the law,” said Mr Mbili.

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