The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today congratulated the KwaZulu-Natal police, following this weekend’s arrest of three suspects in connection with the shootings that resulted in killings of various people in Nongoma over the past months.
The following firearms were recovered and have been sent for further ballistic testing:
- Three (3) Norinco 9mm pistols with serial numbers filed off.
- One (one) Norinco 9mm pistol with serial number C100608.
- Z88 pistol with serial number filled off.
- Thirty nine (39) 9mm live rounds.
- LM5 (civilian version of the R5 rifle) and this rifle is suspected to have been used during the killing of two persons, two weeks ago.
Two suspects were arrested in Benoni, Gauteng for unlawful possession of firearms and will appear at the Benoni Magistrate Court. The other suspect was arrested yesterday in Nongoma and will appear at the Nongoma Magistrate Court tomorrow.
A week ago Minister Mthethwa visited Matheni village, Nongoma as part of a collective effort with communities aimed at ending these killings. This conflict, which started as a dispute between two families had escalated and claimed 20 lives since December 2012.
Furthermore the conflict has had a negative impact in the area; disrupting normal life and schooling, with 1486 learners being affected. It got so worse that some of the community members ended up fleeing their homes and sleeping in the bushes.
“When we interacted with the community of Nongoma last week, we promised that police will do their best to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended. These arrests and confiscation of these illegal firearms confirm that our promise was not just rhetoric. We vowed that those who perpetrate such killings and violence can run but we shall find them; we have therefore kept our promise.
“We congratulate the entire task team that was appointed by Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Ngobeni and further urge them to continue with their dedication and not lose sight. More still needs to be done. We can also attribute such progress to our integrated approach of involving our different units, these being the National Intervention, Detectives and Crime Intelligence. We are confident that more arrests are imminent,” added the Minister.
For enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Spokesperson to the Minister of Police
Cell: 082 045 4024
