KZN police seize 10 firearms, including AK-47, in KwaMaphumulo raid

An AK-47 and R5 rifles were ten firearms that were seized by KwaZulu-Natal police in an operation in KwaMaphumulo, northern KZN on Monday.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said seven suspects, aged between 26 and 66 years old, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms. Seven of the firearms seized were rifles.

“A multi-disciplinary intelligence led operation comprising of members from Durban K9 Unit as well as Technical Response Teams from KwaDukuza, Ulundi and Empangeni was conducted at KwaMaphumulo where police were looking for suspects who were suspected to be in possession of unlicensed firearms. The targeted individuals were also suspected to be involved in various serious cases such as cash in transit robberies, taxi violence, car hi-jacking, stock theft as well as murders.”

He said the officers following up on intelligence approached the targeted homestead, which has eleven rondavels and upon arrival there was an exchange of gunfire between the police and some suspects who evaded arrest.

“No one was reported injured during the shootout. Vigilant police officers tactically managed to secure the surrounding. During the subsequent search, police recovered the 10 firearms and arrested seven suspects. 

“A search for the suspect who evaded arrest is underway.”

All arrested are expected appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court today facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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