Pretoria – More than 120 suspects have been arrested in one day during a joint operation conducted under the umbrella of Operation Fiela in KwaZulu-Natal.
A joint operation comprising inter alia members of the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, the Metro Police and private security made the arrests in areas including Dundee, Greytown, KwaDukuza, Phoenix, Margate, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown and Port Shepstone.
The suspects were arrested for various offences, including the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, possession of dagga, illegal immigration, illegal gambling, dealing in liquor without a license and dealing in illegal cigarettes.
The offences also included possession of counterfeit goods, murder, hijacking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravening the Road Traffic Act.
KZN Police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said in one of the incidents, a 30-year-old male was arrested for possession of five unlicensed firearms including three pistols, a revolver and an AK47 rifle with numerous rounds of ammunition.
“It is alleged that Dundee members were driving along the Dundee-Helpmekaar Road towards Pomeroy when they passed a roadblock. After passing the roadblock the vigilant members noticed a white BMW, which was stationary on the roadside about 500 metres away from the roadblock.
“They passed the said vehicle and upon checking the rear view mirror, they noticed that the vehicle was avoiding the roadblock. The brave members did not hesitate, they stopped and searched the vehicle,” Major Zwane said.
The seized firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to determine if they were used in the commission of any crime in the country. All arrested suspects will appear in various magistrates’ courts soon.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the members for the arrests, adding that this operation will continue throughout the weekend.
“Working together with other law enforcement agencies makes a huge difference and this partnership will be strengthened for more positive results,” said Lieutenant General Ngobeni. – SAnews.gov.za
