Heavily Armed Policeman and Alleged Arms Dealer Arrested in KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa – A heavily armed South African Police Service (SAPS) officer and an alleged arms dealer were apprehended at a stop-and-search operation at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in Pinetown, west of Durban, on Monday, 5 January 2026. The arrest was made during a joint operation conducted by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Durban Metro Police, and SAPS.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the arrest and identified one of the men as a police officer and firearms instructor. According to Sibiya, the operation, dubbed "Nenzani La Ezweni Operation," successfully intercepted the two individuals who were travelling in a vehicle laden with weapons and 800 rounds of ammunition.
"During our Nenzani La Ezweni Operation at the Marrianhill Toll Plaza, our highly energised team from Road Traffic Inspectorate, working with Durban Metro Police and SAPS, intercepted an arms dealer and a policeman driving a car full of weapons and 800 rounds of ammunition," Sibiya stated.
The arrests occurred when the pair were asked to provide documentation for their firearms. Police officials flagged an expired permit. Sibiya confirmed that the two individuals failed to produce valid documents that affirmed adherence to the Firearms Control Act (FCA).
Sibiya emphasised the importance of preventing the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition on the province's road networks. "Importantly, we do not want our road networks to be used as part of the illegal supply and movements of firearms and ammunition. The proliferation of firearms and ammunition is a major contributor towards violent crimes and robberies," he stated.
The vehicle used by the suspects has been impounded as it was illegally fitted with security lights, a violation of the National Road Traffic Act. Sibiya added, "A vehicle, which was used by the two individuals, has been impounded, as it was illegally fitted with security lights. This is in contravention of the National Road Traffic Act. By and large, the RTI is clamping down on the use of blue lights in any part of the province."
In addition to the arrest of the policeman and the alleged arms dealer, Sibiya revealed that three other individuals were arrested for impersonating police officers. "They were found in possession of fake police appointment cards," he confirmed.
The operation also led to the arrest of several motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, including a taxi driver who was transporting a full load of passengers.
Sibiya confirmed that relevant law enforcement agencies have launched a thorough investigation into the matter. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the suspects' activities and any potential links to other criminal enterprises. The authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness, given the involvement of a police officer and the potential for the illegal firearms to contribute to violent crime in the region.
The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in KwaZulu-Natal to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. The "Nenzani La Ezweni Operation" is part of a broader strategy to clamp down on crime and maintain law and order in the province. The authorities have vowed to continue these operations and bring those involved in illegal activities to justice.
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