KwaZulu-Natal police have recovered 74 unlicensed firearms and a total of 818 ammunition during their one week’s Festive Season operations in the province. A total of 32 suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The operation started on 16 December until 22 December in various parts of the province including areas such as Ulundi, Ezakheni, Bergville, Emanguzi, Mtubatuba, KwaKhutha, Nsuze and Port Edward. The police officers were following up information about illegal firearms across the province and they raided few homesteads in various areas.
67 pistols, two shotguns, three rifles and two homemade firearms were recovered. All the recovered firearms will be taken for ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes in the province. Such operations will continue aiming to get rid of illegal firearms and reduce faction fights, stock theft, taxi related cases and other serious crimes. All arrested suspects already appeared in various courts. We also appeal to the members of the community to work together with the police by sharing any information about illegal firearms in their areas. Community members can also make use of our Crime Stop number 08600 1011 for any information.