Yesterday morning, 20 July 2016 members of the Bellair SAPS near Chatsworth recovered 27 firearms, over 2000 rounds of live ammunition and 50 canisters of gun powder. The members were conducting their crime prevention duties to curb crime in their area when they received information about a home at Hillary in Bellair, which had a large number of firearms. The members proceeded to the said home and it was searched. 27 different types of firearms were seized from the house. Six of them were licensed to the house owner who passed away and the other 21 were unlicensed with serial numbers erased. Recovered firearms include Colt 45 pistols, 308, Smith and Wesson .45 pistols and Ruby .32 rifle. An enquiry has been registered at Bellair SAPS for further investigation. No arrest made at this stage pending investigation. .
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Bhekinkosi Langa praised the members for their dedication that led to the recovery of these firearms. “I urge the community to continue reporting those who are in possession of illegal firearms in their areas. We also advise the family members of deceased person to hand over his firearms to the police or make other means to get a new firearm license for the appointed person to hold such firearms. By keeping such firearms in your possession while the lawful owner is deceased is an offence. Community members can go to any police station and get advise as to how they can get rid of firearms belonging to deceased person”, he said.
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