IN the run-up to the festive season, operations have been stepped up at all clusters across KZN to seize illegal firearms and ammunition.
According to Major Thulani Zwane, provincial police spokesman, although many firearms have been recovered in the hands of criminals over the past few weeks, it still remains a concern that criminals are using firearms to commit crimes. “Our focus is on recovering illegal firearms and removing them from our streets,” said Zwane.
During operations conducted between 6 and 12 December 2015, 44 firearms where recovered across the province. “This included two homemade firearms, a shotgun, a rifle and 40 pistols. A total of 369 rounds of ammunition were also recovered. During these operations 45 suspects were arrested and charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” explained Zwane.
All the recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish if they were used in the commission of any crime in the country. All the arrested suspects have appeared in various Magistrates Courts across the province.
The provincial commissioner of KZN, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded police for continuing to recover such a large number of firearms and ammunition. “Our members will continue to strive to seize illegal firearms in the province and those found in possession of these firearms will face the full might of the law. Members of the community are encouraged to continue supporting police in the fight against crime by informing police of the whereabouts of wanted criminals,” she said.
