5 suspects arrested in Hluhluwe police sting

A ‘reign of terror’ in Hluhluwe was brought to an end on Wednesday when five suspects were arrested on various charges.

These included possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, suspected stolen property, and game meat.

Sergeant Nkosingphile Mdladla of the uMkhanyakude District Police Task Team said they carried out an intelligence-driven operation which led to the arrest of the suspects, aged between 29 and 46, who were terrorising the community through theft, illegal hunting, animal killing, and poaching in the game reserves.

“During the operation, police raided various homes and detained four men and one woman, who were found in possession of a shotgun and ammunition without a licence,” said Mdladla.

The police also recovered three additional firearms, including a homemade gun, along with several rounds of ammunition of various calibre.

“In one house, police discovered a freezer filled with game meat, a welding machine and a grinder. District commissioner Brigadier Jeros Thango praised the police for their dedication to combatting crime in the district,” added Mdladla.

The suspects were scheduled to appear before the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

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