Arms haul recovered as kidnapped man freed
FOUR men between the ages of 31 and 67 appeared in the Umbumbulu Magistrate's Court on Monday, 14 October in connection with kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition charges.
“On Sunday, 13 October at about 4pm, Zwanani Blose was at home at Emsahweni area in KwaMakhutha when he was allegedly kidnapped by six armed men driving a yellow Volvo. It is alleged he was pistol-whipped and loaded in the boot of the car.The incident was reported to the police, Crime Intelligence conducted a search and he was found at a house at Mantashini area, also in KwaMakhutha on the same day. KwaMakhutha SAPS members were mobilised and the house was searched,” said Capt Thulani Zwane of the KZN police media centre.
“The victim was found handcuffed in the house and he was freed by the members. Seven unlicensed firearms, including a .22 rifle, airgun, revolver and pistols with 147 live rounds of ammunition were also found and four people were arrested. The firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes in the province.”
The motive for kidnapping is unknown at this stage.
Provincial commissioner for KZN, Lt Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the police officers for the swift arrests. “Had police not arrested these men they would have continued their reign of terror in the KwaKwaMakhutha and surrounding areas,” she said.
