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The DA in uMzinyathi will write to the Minister of Police and the Minister of Defence demanding that they provide urgent answers on how state-issued military gear ended up in civilian hands.

This after the recent police operation that led to the recovery of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) uniforms, unlicensed firearms, mine explosives, ammunition, and stolen vehicles in the district.

This alarming discovery raises serious questions about the extent of organised crime in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and potential complicity within state security structures.

The DA commends the uMzinyathi District Task Team, Newcastle Public Order Policing, Pietermaritzburg Flying Squad, and other law enforcement units for their efforts in making these arrests. However, the presence of military-grade equipment—including bulletproof vests and official SANDF uniforms—in the possession of suspected criminals is a clear indication of a severe security breach.

The DA engaged with Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana of uMzinyathi District over the weekend. Nkwanyana confirmed that one of the suspects appeared before the Greytown Magistrate’s Court on Friday. However, it remains unclear whether the other suspects have appeared before the Glencoe Magistrate’s Court. We will be closely monitoring the court proceedings to ensure that justice is served.

Too often, cases like these drag on with little accountability, allowing criminals to exploit weaknesses in our justice system. The DA will not allow this to happen. We expect full transparency, swift prosecutions, and the harshest penalties for those found guilty.

We will continue to put pressure on authorities to root out corruption and criminality within our security forces.

We call on the residents of uMzinyathi to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. Our communities deserve real safety, not fear created by armed criminals operating with impunity. The DA stands firm in the fight against crime, and we will not allow this matter to be swept under the rug.

Issued by Mlondi Mdluli, MP - DA uMzinyathi Constituency Head