A WENTWORTH detective is being hailed for his continued success in tackling gun crime, following another conviction for possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Detective Sergeant Bhekithemba Zulu played an instrumental role in leading the investigation following the arrest of the accused, Wayne Peter Pillay (42).

Pillay was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and five years for possession of ammunition. Both sentences will run concurrently.

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The accused appeared at the Durban Regional Court recently following his arrest in 2023.

According to information received from the police, the accused was arrested in Wiest Road flats in Wentworth after the Metro Street Crime Unit received intelligence information about a man in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Police spokesperson in Wentworth, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said on the day of the arrest, the police proceeded to the flats, where the accused was found in possession of:

• One black Norinco firearm.
• 16 live 9mm ammunition.
• One communication handset radio.

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“The police confiscated all the items. He failed to produce a valid licence for possession of a firearm and ammunition, and was placed under arrest immediately.

“The case docket was then assigned to Detective Sergeant Zulu to investigate. Zulu initiated the case through investigation, and it came out during investigation that the accused had a previous conviction at Durban Central police for robbery. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment in 2011,” said Gumede.

During investigation Zulu discovered that the seized firearm had also been used in another crime that took place in Wentworth.

“The accused had remained in custody, and the detective objected his bail application, and the accused was sent to the Durban Regional Court for his first court appearance.

“The witnesses also played an important role during court proceedings, ensuring a strong case by giving evidence during the trial.

“Detective Zulu showcased his excellent investigative knowledge. The station commander, Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, and the management of Wentworth police station commended Zulu for his exceptional detective work,” Gumede added.

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