Police arrest a suspect linked to a KwaZulu-Natal triple murder case while in possession of an unlicensed firearm, following a joint operation by law enforcement. | SAPS
Durban — A suspect wanted for a KwaZulu-Natal triple murder case was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The suspect was remanded in custody following his court appearance this week.
KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said that on Monday, October 7, Newcastle Serious Organised Crime Investigation officers, Newcastle Public Order Police and Umzinyathi District Crime Intelligence arrested Lindokuhle Ngubane, 30, for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Mhlongo said officers were informed about a wanted suspect in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Kwahholwane area in Msinga.
“It is alleged that the said suspect was also sought for a triple murder case that happened in the KwaNqulu area in Nquthu on October 14 last year,” Mhlongo said.
He said a joint operation was conducted and they proceeded to the area. Ngubane was spotted and a search was conducted.
“He was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with no ammunition,” Mhlongo said.
“He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. Ngubane briefly appeared in the Msinga Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday) and was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to October 14, 2024, for further investigation and legal representation.
“The seized firearm will be sent for a ballistic test to ascertain if it was used in the commission of any other crime in the country.”
KZN Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona commended the members for arresting the suspect and seizing the unlicensed firearm.
Meanwhile, national police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the police’s Operation Shanela netted 12 187 suspects between September 30 and October 6.
Of the 109 suspects arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, 33 of the suspects were arrested in KZN and 30 in the Western Cape.
Additionally, 131 firearms were confiscated during operations. Thirty firearms were confiscated during police operations in KZN and 23 in the Western Cape.
Two thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
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