Police have confirmed the arrest of seven men and the recovery of multiple rifles following a high-risk raid in KwaMaphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal.
On Monday, 26 January 2026, police in KwaZulu-Natal conducted a raid in KwaMaphumulo that led to the arrest of seven men aged between 26 and 66. The operation resulted in the recovery of 10 unlicensed firearms, including seven rifles — among them an AK47 and an R5.
The raid was part of an intelligence-driven operation involving multiple units, including the Durban K9 Unit and Technical Response Teams from KwaDukuza, uLundi, and Empangeni.
When police arrived at the targeted homestead — which has 11 rondavels — they were met with gunfire from some suspects. Those individuals managed to escape. However, no injuries were reported during the exchange.
Why it matters to you
Police believe the arrested suspects may be linked to serious crimes such as:
- Cash-in-transit heists
- Taxi-related violence
- Car hijackings
- Stock theft
- Murder
The presence of assault rifles, including an AK47, poses a direct risk to community safety.
What you need to know
Here is a summary of the key facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of raid | Monday, 26 January 2026 |
| Location | KwaMaphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Number of suspects arrested | 7 men (ages 26–66) |
| Firearms recovered | 10 total — 7 rifles, including AK47 and R5 |
| Linked criminal activity | Robberies, hijackings, murder, etc. |
| Suspects’ court appearance | KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court, 27 January |
| Ongoing search | At least one suspect remains at large |
What you should do next
If you live in or near KwaMaphumulo:
- Report any suspicious behaviour or hidden weapons to the police.
- Remain alert to law enforcement activity in your area.
- Cooperate with investigations if approached by authorities.
To share tip-offs confidentially, you can contact:
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- Use the MySAPS mobile app (available on Android and iOS)
Where to get help or report information
For verified updates or to report information, contact