Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the recent major firearm recoveries must be sustained to address the proliferation of firearms.
Hlomuka was applauding the police for recovering more than 11 firearms and arresting suspects who posed a threat to the community during various operations in the province.
The department said the arrest of suspects in the King Cetshwayo District and eThekwini Metro was part of the ongoing and targeted operations to reduce high levels of crime.
In King Cetshwayo, six suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. In that operation, police seized eight firearms and 65 rounds of live ammunition.
In another operation in Shongweni Dam in KwaNdengezi, west of Durban, police arrested a 39-year-old suspect and recovered three illegal firearms.
The department said that the police operations were part of rooting out illegal firearms in the hands of the criminals and ensuring the safety of the people of KZN. The ongoing operations are part of the turnaround strategy being implemented following the release of the crime statistics.
Hlomuka commended the police for sterling work done, saying such operations must be sustained to address the proliferation of firearms.
“In all the statistics released it is clear that firearms are a major driver of murders and other forms of crime. These operations must be sustained in all districts if we are to make our communities safe. Fighting crime is one of the priorities of the sixth administration and working with the police, community crime-fighting structures and civil society we are determined to reduce the levels of crime. Women, children and every citizen must feel safe and be able to walk on the streets without any fear of being violated by criminals,” Hlomuka said.
The MEC also commended the bravery, commitment and dedication displayed by these law enforcement officers who were dispatched to the suspicious house in Empangeni and KwaNdengezi.
“We cannot allow criminals to take over our streets willy-nilly. The rule of law must be always exercised. No criminal act is going to go unpunished. The state is duty bound to protect its people and we assure our citizens that we are equal to the task.”
On Thursday, Hlomuka is expected to meet with the police top brass in the province to engage in strategic matters, including the plan to fast-track the implementation of the turnaround plan in the top leading crime stations in the province.
On Tuesday, police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said that in the early morning, police officers from the National Intervention Unit acted on information about a man in possession of firearms in Empangeni.
Ngcobo said that the team proceeded to Farewell Street in Empangeni, where all necessary measures were taken to gain access to the house, but the owner refused them entrance.
“Police officers were met by a hail of bullets and there was a shoot-out. The homeowner, aged 45, and his security guard, aged 36, died at the scene.
“Police seized four rifles (including two AK-47s), a shotgun, five pistols, a revolver and 397 rounds of ammunition,” Ngcobo said.
Ngcobo added charges of attempted murder and an inquest into unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition were opened for investigation at Empangeni SAPS.
On Wednesday, a man was expected to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court after he was arrested with three illegal firearms in Shongweni Dam.
Ngcobo said that on Monday, police received information about a man who had illegal firearms at Shongweni Dam in KwaNdengezi.
An operation was put in place by the eThekwini District Task Team and metro police to trace the suspect. The team proceeded to the identified dwelling, where a 39-year-old man was found inside the house, Ngcobo said.
“Upon searching the house, police found two pistols and a hunting rifle with 31 rounds of ammunition. The suspect has been charged with unlawful possession of firearms. He will be profiled to check if he is linked to other serious cases committed in KwaNdengezi and surrounding areas.”
Ngcobo said the firearms would be subjected to ballistic testing.
Daily News