The police in KwaZulu-Natal have seized six guns that allegedly belong to a gang leader in Phoenix, north of Durban, with two suspects arrested during the operation.
By Nkosana Khumalo
An intelligence-driven operation spearheaded by police officers who are members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit has led to the recovery of six firearms, ammunition and the arrest of two suspects on Swallowhaven Road at Foresthaven in Phoenix on Thursday evening, 24 July 2025.
Police received information from a community member about the firearms which were stored at the said address, which allegedly belonged to a man who is suspected to be the leader of a known gang group known as ‘Bloods’ in the area. The information was operationalised and police officers, armed with a search warrant, arrived at the house and found two occupants, a 38-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman.
During the search police found two pistols with serial numbers filed off, two handguns and two shotguns, as well as several rounds of ammunition which were hidden inside a wardrobe in an upstairs bedroom. A search for the suspect who is believed to be the drug kingpin and gang leader in the area is ongoing.
The firearms will be taken for forensic analysis to determine if they were used in the commission of crimes in the area or elsewhere in the province. The two suspects were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of prohibited firearms and illegal possession of ammunition. They will appear in court soon.
Police Spokesperson Details the Raid
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “An intelligence-driven operation spearheaded by police officers who are members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit has led to the recovery of six firearms, ammunition and the arrest of two suspects on Swallowhaven Road at Foresthaven in Phoenix on Thursday evening, 24 July 2025.
Police received information from a community member about the firearms which were stored at the said address, which allegedly belonged to a man who is suspected to be the leader of a known gang group known as ‘Bloods’ in the area. The information was operationalised and police officers, armed with a search warrant, arrived at the house and found two occupants, a 38-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman. During the search police found two pistols with serial numbers filed off, two handguns and two shotguns, as well as several rounds of ammunition which were hidden inside a wardrobe in an upstairs bedroom. A search for the suspect who is believed to be the drug kingpin and gang leader in the area is ongoing.
The firearms will be taken for forensic analysis to determine if they were used in the commission of crimes in the area or elsewhere in the province. The two suspects were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of prohibited firearms and illegal possession of ammunition. They will appear in court soon.”
Involvement of High-Level Police Leadership
The operation was part of efforts led by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and his team, highlighting the province’s commitment to tackling organised crime. This raid comes amid ongoing crackdowns on gang activities and illegal firearms in the region, where community tips play a vital role in guiding police actions.
Seized Weapons and Evidence
Images from the scene show the recovered firearms laid out for documentation. One photo displays four pistols, including models with visible wear and some with obscured serial numbers, placed on a patterned blanket alongside evidence bags. Another image reveals two shotguns, one with a wooden stock and the other appearing more modern, accompanied by ammunition packets and forensic collection kits, indicating immediate processing by investigators.
The filing off of serial numbers on two pistols suggests attempts to conceal their origins, a common tactic in illegal gun trafficking. Forensic tests will check for links to shootings, robberies, or other violent crimes, potentially connecting them to gang-related incidents in Phoenix or beyond.
Background on the Bloods Gang in Phoenix
Phoenix, a predominantly Indian township north of Durban, has long struggled with gang violence, drug dealing, and related crimes. The Bloods gang, active in the area, is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, taxi operations, and tow truck empires.
Historical reports indicate that the gang was once led by figures like Kalvin Periasamy, who was gunned down in 2019 in a suspected hit linked to rivalries. His brother, Kevin Periasamy, also known as ‘Cheezy’, was believed to have taken over leadership, amid fears of retaliation and ongoing turf wars. The gang’s activities have included extortion, shootings, and drug distribution, contributing to community tensions.
Earlier in 2025, police busted a drug den linked to the Bloods in Trekhaven Place, Phoenix, seizing drugs worth R280,000. Such operations show a pattern of targeting gang strongholds to disrupt their networks.
Community Role and Ongoing Search for Gang Leader
The tip-off from a community member was crucial, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in fighting crime. Police encourage residents to report suspicious activities, as anonymous information can lead to significant breakthroughs.
The alleged owner of the guns, described as the current Bloods leader and a drug kingpin, remains at large. Authorities are intensifying their search, believing he may be connected to wider criminal syndicates in KwaZulu-Natal.
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