Police in KwaZulu-Natal have seized five firearms, including three rifles, during intensified operations across the Umzinyathi District. Officers have also arrested four suspects, aged 28 to 53 during the operation.
Police spokesperson, Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana, said the Umzinyathi District Task Team in collaboration with Newcastle Public Order Policing (POP) was following up on intelligence received about unlicensed guns in the area, linked to a recent cash heist in Ekuvukeni.
"Upon arrival at the first identified location within the Wasbank policing precinct, police arrested a suspect found in possession of unlicensed firearms, namely a 9mm pistol and an M4 rifle, along with a motor vehicle reported stolen in Hebron, Gauteng, and a quantity of ammunition," he said.
Nkwanyana said at a second location, another suspect was arrested and police confiscated two rifles, an R5 and a M14 as well as ammunition.
"At the third location, police arrested a suspect found with four mine explosives and shotgun ammunition. Glencoe K9 Unit was activated for the safe handling of explosives, and Newcastle Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) was called in for further investigation," he said.
In another incident, police from the Greytown Crime Prevention Unit arrested a man found in possession of a .38 special revolver.
The accused are due in the Greytown and Glencoe Magistrate's courts.
IOL