Police have arrested seven suspects and seized 10 unlicensed firearms, including an AK47 assault rifle and an R5 rifle, following an intelligence-driven operation in KwaMaphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 66, were arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation led by intelligence units and supported by members of the Durban K9 Unit as well as Technical Response Teams from KwaDukuza, Ulundi and Empangeni.
According to police, the operation targeted individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms and of involvement in serious crimes, including cash-in-transit robberies, taxi violence, car hijackings, stock theft and murders.
Police officers moved in on a homestead comprising 11 rondavels after acting on previously collected intelligence. Upon arrival, officers were met with gunfire from some of the suspects, who managed to flee the scene.
“No injuries were reported during the exchange,” police said, adding that officers “tactically managed to secure the surrounding area.”
During a subsequent search of the homestead, police recovered 10 firearms, seven of them rifles. Seven suspects were arrested at the scene, while a man believed to have evaded arrest is still being sought.
All arrested suspects have been charged with the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear before the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.