A joint operation with specialised police task force members and private security companies resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of ammunition, ammunition-making components and ammunition-making equipment at the KwaMashu Men’s Hostel following a raid on early Monday morning.
The owner of the unit at the hostel is alleged to be supplying ammunition to perpetrators of cash-in-transit heists as well as other criminals.
The machine seized during the raid is believed to be capable of producing 100 000 bullets a day – and is allegedly the property of the biggest supplier to hitmen and cash-in-transit criminals.
Two radios with SAPS frequencies were also discovered at the unit during the raid.
In a statement issued yesterday, private security company, Magma Investigations, said following a tip-off received on Sunday July 30, various police and law enforcement units and private security companies had conducted a raid at the KwaMashu Hostel.
“Information was received from a source regarding suspects that were involved in another KwaMashu case. Information was that the suspects had exhibits that were stolen from a crime scene. An operation was planned with various role players,” said Magma’s Shaheen Suleman.
He said at about 5:30am on Monday, the operation was executed at the hostel where a room was searched and the large quantity of ammunition, ammunition making components and ammunition manufacturing equipment was found and seized.
Other items recovered included various calibre cartridge cases and bullet heads, various calibre primers and three sealed safes – all valued at a total of more than R1 million.
Mr Suleman said no arrests were made and their investigations were continuing to establish who the owner of the dwelling was.
The Democratic Alliance has called on SAPS top brass to provide full support to KZN law enforcement following the raid.
“It is now time for the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele to step up and provide every possible support – which must include specialised units – so that the suspects can be apprehended. Arrests in this case will be a huge morale boost for the people of KZN, who are living in fear as criminals take over. Criminals have had free reign in KZN for far too long,” said Sharon Hoosen, DA KZN MPL who is also the spokesperson on Community Safety and Liasion.
