A 26-year-old man suspected of involvement in drug-related drive-by shootings has been arrested in Phoenix, north of Durban.
Members of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit raided the suspect’s home on Westham Drive on Monday, where they discovered a significant cache of weapons. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the seizure of eight firearms, five stun grenades, and ammunition.
“The suspect was arrested while attempting to flee his residence,” said Netshiunda. “He was found in possession of a firearm and drugs. A further search uncovered two shotguns inside his apartment.”
Authorities also discovered five additional firearms, each hidden inside one of the suspect’s five vehicles. Police were still working to gain access to a fully armoured luxury SUV for further investigation.
Netshiunda revealed that the seized ammunition included rounds for an R5 rifle and a shotgun, both used by law enforcement. Police also suspect that the stun grenades may have originated from SAPS.
“Investigations are underway to determine whether the suspect had police connections or if the weapons and ammunition were stolen from officers killed in the line of duty,” he added.