RNM law enforcement weapons seized for testing
Municipal spokesman Simon April said the seizure was not unusual and was part of complying with the law.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality says it has been left vulnerable after police swooped in last week and seized a large number of firearms from the traffic department’s armoury in Port Shepstone.
It is believed officers from the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) had taken all weapons belonging to traffic officers and VIP security officers for ballistic testing in order to determine if they had been used in the commission of crime, with a particular focus on political killings.
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“Since the murder of then RNM council Chief Whip Wandile Mkhize and those of many other other politicians have gone unsolved, we believe they are trying to determine if some of our firearms may have been used in these killings or in any other criminal activities,” said one insider.
The insider also claimed it was “highly unlikely” that their firearms would be seized in this manner unless they were suspected of being involved in crime.
While the general consensus was that the officers had no problem with their weapons being taken for testing, they were however concerned at how they were to efficiently carry out their duties and enforce the law without being properly armed.
“Although our safety is severely compromised, SAPS is still a law enforcement agency so there will still be law and order in our communities,” said one.
However, RNM spokesman Simon April said the seizure was not unusual and was part of complying with the law.
“This is the normal procedure which is done by SAPS from time to time as part of strengthening control measures.”
Mr April added that RNM was an accredited institution, mandated to possess and keep firearms in terms of Section 95(a)(5)(iv) of the Firearms Control Act.
“In terms of Section 109 of the same Act, SAPS has a responsibility to inspect all accredited institutions once every three months.”
According to Mr April this exercise had in the past been conducted by the SAPS Port Shepstone’s designated firearm officer, without fail.
He added that the firearms would be returned “as soon as the exercise is finalised by the SAPS”.
Attempts to obtain comment from the NIU before going to press proved unsuccessful.
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