DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal police seized six firearms during an operation in Plessislaer between Human Rights Day night and Tuesday morning.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said since Monday night until the early hours of Tuesday morning, police officers deployed in Plessislaer embarked on an intelligence-driven operation. Stop-and-searches and foot patrols were conducted during the operation.
“While police were at Imbali, when they spotted a vehicle on Mthombothi Road in Unit 1 and intercepted the vehicle. Upon searching the occupants and the vehicle, police recovered a rifle, two pellet guns, a box of pellets and 103 rounds of ammunition. Inside the vehicle, police found a bag containing housebreaking implements, handcuffs, jewellery and other items,” Mbele said.
She said the initial investigation conducted by police at the scene revealed that the property was stolen in Howick. Investigations were continuing.
Mbele said four suspects were placed under arrest for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and possession of stolen property.
“The team proceeded to Dambuza where three suspects were found in possession of two revolvers, a pistol as well as three rounds of ammunition. The trio were then placed under arrest for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Another suspect was found dealing in dagga at Dambuza during the operation. The suspect was found in possession of packets of dagga as well as R1 570 in cash. He was placed under arrest for dealing in dagga,” Mbele said.
“The team also went to Gandaganda area in Plessislaer for a report of a house robbery. The suspect was arrested in the area for robbery.”
Mbele said all nine suspects aged between 26 and 45 were expected to appear before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The operation comes after a parliamentary question revealed that Plessislaer SAPS was one of four of KZN’s worst police stations for serious crime, including murder and rape, and had vehicles waiting to be repaired.
For Plessislaer SAPS: windscreen repairs 36 days; minor brake system repairs 40 days; windscreen repairs 50 days; battery replacement 50 days; minor exhaust repairs 76 days; electric accessories and wiring 106 days; minor brake system repairs 121 days.
Last month, the DA’s chief whip in the KZN legislature Zwakele Mncwango said that recent oversight inspections of SAPS facilities conducted as part of a KZN legislature programme had lifted the lid on the crumbling state and virtual collapse of police stations in the province.
Under capacity, Mncwango said Plessislaer SAPS was a problem station despite the fact that it covered a vast area.
Daily News