Operation Fiela yields results again in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
A joint operation conducted under the umbrella of Operation Fiela, comprising inter alia of members of the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, the Metro Police and private security, yielded positive results when more than 120 suspects were arrested in one day. The suspects were arrested in the Dundee, Greytown, KwaDukuza, Phoenix, Margate, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown and Port Shepstone areas. They were arrested for various offences including the possession of -unlicensed firearms and ammunition, drugs, Dagga, counterfeit goods; in addition, they were charged with illegal immigration, illegal gambling, dealing in liquor without a license, dealing in illegal cigarettes, murder, hijacking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravening the Road Traffic Act.
In one of the incidents, a 30-year-old male was arrested for possession of five unlicensed firearms including an AK47 rifle.
It is alleged that Dundee members were driving along the Dundee-Helpmekaar Road towards Pomeroy when they passed a roadblock. After passing the roadblock the vigilant members noticed a white BMW which was stationary on the roadside about 500 metres away from the roadblock. They passed the said vehicle and upon checking the rear-view mirror, noticed that the vehicle was avoiding the roadblock. The brave members did not hesitate; they stopped and searched the vehicle. Five firearms, which consisted of three pistols, a revolver and an AK47 rifle with numerous rounds of ammunition, were found and seized. The seized firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to determine if they were used in the commission of any other crime in the country. All arrested suspects will appear in various Magistrates’ courts soon.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the members for the arrest of the suspects, “This operation will continue throughout the weekend. Working together with other law enforcement agencies makes a huge difference and this partnership will be strengthened for more positive results”.
Media enquiries:
Major Thulani Zwane
Cell: 071 683 6525
E-mail: kzn.mediacentre@saps.gov.za
