KEY POINTS
- Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested a man after uncovering nearly 3,000 illegal bullets during raids in Sydenham and Zinkwazi.
- The operation began with the discovery of a rifle and ammunition in Sydenham, leading to a larger haul in Zinkwazi, including R5 and AK-47 rounds.
- Authorities warn of the growing illegal arms trade in the region, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
Acting on a tip-off, police in KwaZulu-Natal launched an operation targeting a suspected illegal arms storage facility in Sydenham, Durban.
The raid led to the discovery of a rifle, a pistol magazine, and 49 rounds of ammunition.
This initial find prompted further investigations, as authorities suspected a larger network of illegal arms and ammunition distribution in the region.
Following the Sydenham operation, police traced the trail to a house in Zinkwazi, a quiet coastal town on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
The raid yielded a staggering cache of illegal arms, including 2,562 R5 rounds, 178 AK-47 rounds, 20 SG rounds, and various other types of ammunition.
The discovery has raised concerns about the scale of illegal arms trafficking in the province.
Authorities warn of growing illegal arms trade in kwaZulu-natal
Carmen Rhynes, spokesperson for the eThekwini District police, confirmed the arrest and emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
“The recovery of such a large quantity of ammunition highlights the ongoing challenges we face in combating the illegal arms trade.
This operation is a significant step in disrupting criminal networks,” she said.
The arrested man is expected to face charges related to illegal possession of arms and ammunition, with investigations ongoing to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition.
The illegal possession and distribution of firearms and ammunition remain a critical issue in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where violent crime rates are high.
The Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT), which led the operation, has been instrumental in tackling organized crime and infrastructure-related offenses.
This latest seizure underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons.
