On Monday, 26 January 2026 Police in KwaZulu-Natal conducted an operation at KwaMaphumulo that led to the arrest of seven suspects aged between 26 and 66-years old for possession of unlicensed firearms. Ten firearms, seven of which were rifles, inclusive of an AK47 assault rifle and an R5, were recovered in the process.
A multi-disciplinary intelligence led operation comprising of members from Durban K9 Unit as well as Technical Response Teams from KwaDukuza, uLundi and Empangeni was conducted at KwaMaphumulo where police were looking for suspects who were suspected to be in possession of unlicensed firearms. The targeted individuals were also suspected to be involved in various serious cases such as cash in transit robberies, taxi violence, car hijacking, stock theft as well as murders.
Following up on prior collected intelligence, members approached the targeted homestead which has eleven rondavels and upon arrival there was an exchange of gunfire between the police and some suspects who evaded arrest. No one was reported injured during the shootout. Vigilant police officers tactically managed to secure the surrounding. During the subsequent search, police recovered the 10 firearms and arrested seven suspects.
A search for the suspect who evaded arrest is underway. All arrested suspects were charged for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and they will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Seven suspects arrested in KZN for possession of unlicensed firearms.https://t.co/P0GJ2WklQJ#ArriveAlive #Crime #FirearmsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/LyTOdMPGQi
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 26, 2026
