THREE men were arrested for being in possession of unlicensed firearms in the Mtwalume area last Friday.
The Hibberdene SAPS crime prevention unit joined forces with the Port Shepstone public order police unit and raided a tavern in Nyangwini Ward, Umtwalume shortly before midnight.
Police arrested two men, aged 22 and 23, for the unlawful possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition. They also seized a 9mm Norinco pistol with two rounds of ammunition, as well as a Z88 pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition.
“The third man was arrested for possession of an unlicenced firearm the following night when police attended a complaint of disturbance in Mfazazana Ward, Mtwalume,” police spokesman Captain Vincent Pandarum.
A 22-year-old man was found in possession of a pistol with the serial number ground off.
All three men appeared in the Hibberdene Magistrate’s Court on Monday this week. The cases are being investigated by Detective Constable Witness Shibe of the Hibberdene SAPS detective service.
Major General Thembi Ndlovu, the Port Shepstone Cluster Commander conveyed her thanks and appreciation to the officers who were involved in the arrests and recoveries of the firearms.
“I urge all officers to commit themselves to getting rid of unlicenced firearms in our communities. These guns are used to commit other serious crimes such as business and house robberies and murders of innocent people, including police officials. We will not allow armed criminals to terrorise our communities,” said Maj Gen Ndlovu.
