A joint operation conducted by the Ugu Cluster Operational Command Centre, Hibberdene Task Team, Hibberdene detectives and a local security firm resulted in the recoveries of unlicensed firearms. The operation was conducted on 11 September 2019, when the team proceeded to Makhoso and Mathulini areas in Hibberdene where three men were found in possession of unlicensed firearms.
A total of three pistols were confiscated from the suspects. The suspects aged between 22 and 42 were linked to a number of cases which included burglary and murders. The cases were committed in the Hibberdene area. A fourth suspect was arrested after he was found with a stolen amplifier, sound mixer and a sound receiver which were seized during the search.
All four suspects were charged for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition as well as possession of suspected stolen property.
In a separate incident which occurred on 11 September 2019, Hibberdene police officers discovered a truck trailer near Smith Stop which had been offloaded with a few boxes that were left intact. Following an initial investigation police discovered that the trailer was hijacked in Pinetown. It was taken to the Port Shepstone Vehicle Safeguarding Unit for further investigation.
Later in the evening, Hibberdene police officers were patrolling along the Sipofu Road, when they came across two vehicles.
The occupants were busy offloading some items near KwaMpande Stop. The team swiftly secured the arrests of three men aged between 26 and 40. The preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that the sealed boxes were linked to the truck trailer that was recovered earlier in the day. All three suspects are facing charges of possession of suspected stolen goods. Both vehicles were seized for further investigation.
A 55 year old man was also arrested in Mtwalume after he was found in possession of an unlicensed rifle and ammunition. A total of 455 rounds of ammunition was seized. The suspect was charged for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
All the arrested suspects have appeared at the Mzumbe Magistrates Court.
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