Greytown Man Found in Possession of SANDF Uniform, Weapons Collection

• KwaZulu-Natal police executed an informer operation in the Engome area after reports of unlicensed firearms
• During a raid at a homestead, police seized four firearms, including two pistols and two rifles, and SANDF uniform
• The suspect, a 48-year-old man, was arrested and charged and will appear in the Greytown Magistrate's Court
• Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana, responding to Briefly News, confirmed unlicensed firearms possession charges

Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist at Briefly News. A Head of Current Affairs, Mametela reported live from the presidential inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa and has written articles on politics, crime, courts, accidents and other topics, including sports, at The Herald and Opera News SA, among others.

PIETERMARITZBURG — Acting on a tip-off, police arrested a man in the Engome area in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, uncovering weapons and an army uniform.

Law enforcement coordinated an informer operation on Thursday, 13 February 2025, following information about unlicensed firearms at a homestead.

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SANDF uniform, weapons uncovered

On arrival at the residence, officers sprang into action, conducting a search and unveiling a collection of weapons.

Umzinyathi District police spokesperson Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana said the firearms included two .303 rifles, two pistols, and ammunition.

"Further investigation [also] led to the recovery of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform.

"The multidisciplinary operation comprised members of the Pietermaritzburg Flying Squad and Public Order Police (POP), supported by local security companies," said Nkwanyana.

In response to a Briefly News inquiry, Nkwanyana said the suspect was charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. He said they would undergo ballistics testing to determine if they were used in any crimes.

However, no charge has yet been levelled for the confiscated SANDF uniform, which has been booked in as an exhibit.

"Police arrested a 48-year-old suspect and he is expected to appear in the Greytown Magistrate’s Court soon," he added.'

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Meanwhile, a TikTok video of new SANDF recruits at a military base being briefed about safeguarding their belongings has gone viral online.

In it, an SANDF Warrant Officer can be heard emphasising to them to lock their possessions away, and the base would not be accountable for lost items.

North West police arrest bogus cop

In a related story, Briefly News reported that a 47-year-old man facing legal trouble after pretending to be a cop and trying to extort a suspect in a theft.

He allegedly impersonated an investigating officer in the theft case, promising the suspect he could make the docket disappear.

Source: Briefly News