On 28 February 2021 at 15:20, police officers from the Provincial Trio Task Team together with Crime Intelligence embarked on an operation at KwaNdengezi following up on information about unlawful possession of firearms.
The team proceeded to an identified house at Emansenseni area in KwaNdengezi where three men were found. Upon searching them, they were found in possession of a 9mm pistol, homemade pistol and an air rifle.
All three suspects aged between 21 and 25 were placed under arrest for unlawful possession of firearms. The suspects were profiled and were linked to a case of murder where a security guard was killed.
One of the recovered firearms belonged to the security guard that was killed.
It is alleged that on 15 January 2021 at 16:00, Bhekani Hlongwane (47) was shot and killed while at Emansenseni area. He sustained gunshot wounds to the head and was declared dead at the scene. The deceased’s firearm was also taken by the suspects. They will be profiled to check if they are linked to robbery cases reported in KwaNdengezi and surrounding areas.
The suspects are appearing before the Pinetown Magistrates Court.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Thulani Gonya applauded the team for the arrests for unlawful possession of firearms. “We are pleased that these thugs have been arrested and the firearms that were in their hands are now in the custody of police,” he said.
