The South African Police Services are coming down hard on criminals this holiday season, in the fight against crime.
During the month of November, KwaZulu-Natal police officers conducted a series of operations to eradicate the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province. These operations led to the recovery of 418 firearms and 2925 rounds of ammunition.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker explains the bulk of the weapons were seized in the Zululand, Umkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi and Ilembe areas.
The confiscated weapons include 22 rifles, 86 shotguns, 293 pistols/revolvers and 17 homemade firearms. A staggering 80 suspects were arrested for being in illegal possession of these firearms and ammunition.
Brigadier Naicker says firearm operations have intensified in KwaZulu-Natal, since the launch of Safer Festive Season Operation in October.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula stresses that the recovery of firearms has assisted police in solving a number of pending cases. He also urges the families of deceased firearm owners to ensure they hand in their firearms to the police.
“Possessing a firearm which was previously licenced to a person who is now deceased; is illegal. Anyone caught in possession of the firearm will be prosecuted. We urge citizens in possession of such firearms to make use of the current amnesty period to surrender these firearms to police,” he emphasises.
Furthermore, Lieutenant General Jula explains the amnesty creates an opportunity for members of the public to surrender illegal possessed or unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts to the SAPS, without the fear of facing prosecution for unlawful possession.
“The objective of the amnesty is to reduce the large pool of illegal/unwanted firearms, ammunition and/or firearm parts that are in circulation in the country. A person who surrenders his/her firearm during the period of amnesty must complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest police station and must insist on a copy of SAPS 548 (Amnesty form),” he adds.
In a separate incident, officers of the Provincial Task team arrested a suspect hijacker. This follows the team following up on a hijacking case in the Bhekithemba policing area on December 6.
During their investigations, the team spotted the vehicle at H section in Umlazi. Police immediately instructed the driver to stop. However, in a daring move, the suspect shot at the police officers; before speeding off.
During a high-speed chase with the police, the suspect lost control of the vehicle. This resulted in him being taken into custody.
While searching him, police seized one firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition and the victim’s cellphone.
According to Brigadier Naicker, the firearm’s serial number has been filed off. The suspect was detained at the Umlazi police station.
Appearing in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court, the suspect will face charges for possession of suspected stolen property, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as carjacking.
“The swift reaction by these police officers is applauded. Criminals must be aware that we remain determined in our obligation to protect the citizens of this province. We will not allow criminals to roam freely in our neighbourhoods,” says Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.
Well done to the police officers involved in the arrests, doing their part in making KZN a safer place for all.
