SAPS Umlazi K9 Unit members recover unlicensed firearms from career criminals

Today at about 04:45 in the morning, members from Umlazi K9 Unit were patrolling and performing crime prevention duties under the South District of Ethekwini in Umlazi, when they noticed a suspicious vehicle which came up wanted on a vehicle check.

Police put on their blue lights and tried to stop the said vehicle with two occupants inside. The vehicle failed to stop and sped off towards Uganda development homes, when suddenly one suspect alighted from the said vehicle and started shooting towards the police. The two police officers immediately exited from the police vehicle and returned fire. The suspects continued shooting, targeting the police vehicle. The police officers responded with professional tactical engagements whilst covering each other. The suspects who used high calibre rifles, then retreated and fled to the main road. The SAPS K9 Unit members recovered several firearms in the suspects’ vehicle and an undisclosed amount of ammunition.

A firearm is known to be a weapon of choice in the commission of serious and violent crimes. It is on this basis that the Ethekwini District Commissioner, Major General MV Kheswa commended the police officers for their brave approach in successfully removing seven unlicensed firearms out of the hands of serious criminals.

She said, “Let’s continue to remain fierce in our fight against crime towards safer communities for all. All the recovered firearms will be subjected to a ballistic test to determine whether they can be linked to other serious crimes.”