Firearms, Fake IDs, and a Cop: KZN Toll Stop Exposes Dangerous Network

Cop, Dealer, and 800 Rounds: How KZN Roads Became a Target for Crime

A routine stop-and-search at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza in Pinetown turned into a jaw-dropping operation on Monday, 5 January 2026. Authorities discovered a South African Police Service officer driving alongside an alleged arms dealer, both with a vehicle packed with weapons and 800 rounds of ammunition.

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the shocking details through spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya, highlighting that the discovery underscores the serious threat posed by the illegal movement of firearms across road networks.

“Even Police Can Break the Law”, The Officer Involved

The police officer, also a certified firearms instructor, was flagged after presenting documentation for the weapons. Authorities quickly identified an expired permit, which led to the arrests.

Sibiya explained, “During our Nenzani La Ezweni Operation…our highly energised team intercepted an arms dealer and a policeman driving a car full of weapons and ammunition. This is a stark reminder that no one is above the law.”

The vehicle itself was impounded, as it was illegally fitted with security lights, a breach of the National Road Traffic Act.

Fake Cops and Wider Crackdowns

The operation didn’t stop there. Three more suspects were detained for impersonating police officers, found carrying fake appointment cards. Social media has since lit up with public outrage, with residents questioning how pervasive the misuse of police authority may be.

“If those tasked with protecting us are the ones transporting illegal firearms, where does that leave ordinary citizens?” one KZN resident tweeted, reflecting the growing concern over trust in law enforcement.

Authorities also apprehended multiple motorists for drunk driving during the same operation, including a fully loaded taxi, highlighting the multi-pronged approach of the Nenzani La Ezweni Operation.

A Larger Problem: Firearms and Violent Crime

Sibiya warned that the proliferation of firearms and ammunition significantly fuels violent crime and robberies in the province. He urged communities and drivers to cooperate with law enforcement, stressing that toll plazas and major roads should not serve as conduits for illegal activity.

“We do not want our road networks to be used as part of the illegal supply and movements of firearms and ammunition,” he said.

Public Reaction and Cultural Context

KwaZulu-Natal has long battled issues of gang-related crime and armed robberies, particularly in urban hubs like Durban and surrounding areas. The arrest of a serving police officer has sparked debate about accountability and corruption within SAPS, with social media users calling for stricter internal vetting and oversight.

Experts note that operations like Nenzani La Ezweni are crucial not only for stopping crime but also for restoring public confidence in the province’s law enforcement agencies.

What Happens Next?

The arrested officer and arms dealer are expected to appear in court, facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Investigations are ongoing, with ballistics tests set to determine whether the weapons were previously used in criminal activity.

As KwaZulu-Natal grapples with violent crime and the misuse of police authority, authorities emphasize that this operation is just one step in a broader crackdown aimed at keeping both roads and communities safe.

{Source: The Citizen}

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