13 suspects arrested and 10 unlicensed firearms recovered in KZN

On Sunday at 11am, police from the Zululand Cluster, including Crime Intelligence, Special Task Force, Vispol Task Team and Public Order Police Unit conducted a joint intelligence-driven operation at Gluckstadt, near Vryheid, following up on information with regards to illegal firearms.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Zwane said: “Police proceeded to an identified house where they arrested 13 suspects who were found in possession of 10 unlicensed firearms and ammunition at Klipfontein farm at Gluckstadt area.”

The recovered firearms include two shotguns, seven 9mm pistols and a .38 special revolver. A white Toyota Corolla motor vehicle that was robbed in Chatsworth last month was also recovered. A number of suspected stolen cellphones were also found on the suspects.

READ MORE: Suspect nabbed with illegal firearm

It is suspected that the suspects were hiding out in the said house, and they may be linked to a number of armed robberies in the province.

The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistics tests to establish if they were used in any other crime in the province. The arrested suspects aged between 24 and 36 years will appear in the Vryheid Magistrates’ Court facing possession of suspected stolen vehicle and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner Major-General Bheki Langa praised the police officers involved for their outstanding work, which led to the arrests and recovery of illegal firearms.

“We also wish to thank members of the community who assist police by providing us with information on criminal activity. We cannot win the fight on crime alone,” he said.

– Caxton News Service

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