Hundreds of illegal firearms recovered
Most of the firearms were recovered and seized in the Zululand, uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi and Ilembe clusters
POLICE have recovered 418 firearms and 2 925 rounds of ammunition during various operations last month aimed at eradicating the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province.
Most of the firearms were recovered and seized in the Zululand, uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi and Ilembe clusters.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, said 22 rifles, 86 shotguns, 293 pistols and revolvers and 17 homemade firearms were recovered during their operations.
Eighty suspects have been arrested.
KZN Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, said the recovery of the firearms has assisted police in solving a number of pending cases.
He also urged families of deceased firearm owners to ensure that they hand in the firearms to the police.
‘Possessing a firearm which was previously licensed to a person who is now deceased, is illegal and anyone caught in possession of the firearm will be prosecuted.
‘We urge citizens in possession of such firearms to make use of the current amnesty period to surrender these firearms to police.
‘The amnesty creates an opportunity for members of the public to surrender illegal possessed or unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts to the South African Police Service without fear of being prosecuted.
‘The objective of amnesty is to reduce the large pool of illegal and unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts that are in circulation in the country.’
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