Yesterday, Phoenix Crime Prevention unit and Ethekwini Outer North Crime Intelligence members were conducting their operations at KwaMashu area curbing trio crimes in the area. While patrolling, they saw a suspicious-looking SUV Volvo vehicle with three occupants. The members stopped the said vehicle and it was searched. An unlicensed 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off with seven live rounds was found in possession of one of the occupants. On further investigation, the members found housebreaking implements in the vehicle and all three suspects were arrested. All three suspects aged between 31 and 35 were charged with possession of housebreaking implements and possession of vehicle suspected to be stolen. The vehicle was hijacked at Newlands East last month. The third suspect was further charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They will appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court soon.

At Verulam area last night, the members were patrolling the area when they followed up information about a suspect who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm at Mountview in Verulam. The members approached the suspect who was fitting the same description given to them. He was searched and was found in possession of an unlicensed Norinco pistol with five ammunition. The recovered firearm was positively linked to a theft case at Amanzimtoti area in 2009. The suspect (32) was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He will appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court today.

The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa commended the members for their work that led to the recovery of these unlicensed firearm which were in the hands of criminals. I further encouraged the community to expose any criminal activities in their areas by reporting to the police. These illegal firearms are normally used to taxi violence, faction fights and other serious crimes, he said.

Source: South African Police Service