KwaZulu-Natal police are cracking down on crime, confiscating a staggering 146 firearms plus 1219 rounds of ammunition and arresting 140 people for being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Brigadier Jay Naicker says this comes after a series of operations conducted during the month of July.
During the operations, police put immense focus in areas where inter-group conflict, stock theft and taxi violence are most prevalent.
Brigadier Naicker says the bulk of the information provided to the police stems from ordinary citizens who are concerned about crime. Through the success of the operations, he encourages citizens to continue reporting information with regards to Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
Altogether, a total of 129 pistols, five shotguns, nine rifles and three homemade firearms were recovered during the operations.
The firearms will be subject to ballistic tests, as to determine if they were used in any other crimes in the province.
Brigadier Naicker adds that a concerted effort is being made by the police to step up operations, aimed at ridding communities of illegal firearms.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Khombinkosi Jula commends the various policing cluster commanders in the province for their contributions to eliminate the propagation of illegal firearms.
Lt-General Jula says he has noted the steady rate in which firearms are being seized in KZN. A fact which encourages him, as it will eventually contribute to improving the situation of crime within the province.
However, he adds police need to maintain this performance. Ensuring criminals do not have access to firearms, due to the role they play in violent crimes within society.
Well done to the officers involved in the operations!
