FOUR suspects have been arrested and remanded in custody after appearing in court on charges relating to possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Mbazwana police on Wednesday received information regarding a vehicle with five occupants driving from Manguzi.

ALSO READ: Fuel levy cut offers motorists relief

According to police reports, the occupants were linked to a house robbery in Melmoth during which valuable items were stolen, including a double-cab bakkie.

“It is further alleged that a 32-year-old victim was abducted during the [robbery] and was later abandoned in a bush,” said KZN SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza.

“Mbazwana police spotted the vehicle fitting the description and intercepted it in the Bunganeni area,” said Magwaza.

One suspect fled before their vehicle could come to a complete stop.

A search was undertaken and the four remaining occupants were found to be in possession of three unlicensed weapons and ammunition. They were arrested and charged accordingly.

Sphamandla Dube (33), Mxolisi Mbambo (30), Musawenkosi Msweli (24) and Phumlani Mthembu (25) appeared before the Mbazwana Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and were remanded in custody.

They are expected to appear before the same court on Thursday, 29 October for a formal bail application.

“The suspects will also be transported to Melmoth Police Station where they will be charged for cases of house robbery and kidnapping.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer