Mandeni Operation
Thobeka Makume
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal successfully apprehended five suspects in Mandeni on Friday afternoon, 8 November 2024. During a routine Vehicle Check Point (VCP) operation along the P459 Road, KZN police officers stopped a white Toyota Avanza carrying five male occupants. Upon inspection, police discovered five pistols and multiple rounds of ammunition in the vehicle, with two of the firearms found to have erased serial numbers, raising suspicions of illegal activity.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed the arrests and provided detailed information on the operation. “Police were conducting a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) operation along the P459 Road in Mandeni when they stopped a white Toyota Avanza with five male occupants. Upon searching the vehicle, the occupants were found in possession of five pistols and several rounds of ammunition. Two firearms had their serial numbers erased,” said Colonel Netshiunda. This discovery marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to curb gun violence and crime in the province.
Background and Purpose of the VCP Operation
Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) are commonly deployed in high-crime areas or regions where intelligence indicates a risk of illicit activities. According to SAPS, the goal of such operations is to prevent the transport of illegal firearms, drugs, and other contraband. Mandeni, a semi-rural town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, has witnessed a rise in crime over the years, primarily due to its proximity to major transport routes used by criminals for smuggling goods.
In recent months, there has been an increase in gun-related crimes and incidents involving illegal firearms in KwaZulu-Natal. Police operations such as this VCP are part of a broader strategy by SAPS to address these issues, enhance public safety, and intercept weapons that could potentially be used for criminal activities. Colonel Netshiunda commented, “Operations like this are essential to maintaining order and ensuring community safety. The presence of illegal firearms in our communities is a threat we are committed to addressing.”
Details of the Firearm Seizure and Suspect Profiles
Upon searching the Toyota Avanza, police found five pistols and multiple rounds of ammunition. Initial inspections revealed that two of the firearms had erased serial numbers, making it impossible to trace their origins through regular firearm registry channels. Preliminary investigations conducted on the scene provided additional insight into the origins of the weapons.
Colonel Netshiunda shared some early findings, explaining that “one firearm belonged to a deceased licensed owner, another firearm was reported stolen in Ntuzuma in November 2020, whilst the other was also reported stolen in Sandton, Gauteng Province, in June 2021.” The discovery of these stolen firearms indicates a potential connection to a larger network involved in the theft and distribution of weapons across provincial lines.
The suspects arrested during this operation are between the ages of 23 and 31. While their identities have not been disclosed, law enforcement officials confirmed that the group is currently under investigation for their possible involvement in additional criminal activities. According to Colonel Netshiunda, the suspects will be facing charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of suspected stolen firearms. They are scheduled to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 November 2024.
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