Arms cache found on roadside

Captain S Biyela and Sgt SZ Hlabisa examine the weapons found behind a bush shelter

Tanya Waterworth

TWO large bags of weapons were found stashed behind a bus shelter on the N2 freeway late on Monday night.
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson, Captain René van der Westhuizen said they received a phone call from a passer-by who saw the dumping take place.
‘He was standing near the bus shelter near the Nseleni turnoff, when he saw a vehicle pull over.
‘Somebody got out of the car with two large bags which he dropped behind the bus shelter, before driving off.
‘The passer-by called Richards Bay police station and Constables Zimu and Buthelezi were sent to investigate.
‘They found two bags full of weapons and ammunition,’ said van der Westhuizen.
The cache included two AK 47s with magazines and 16 rounds, two shotguns – one of which was sawn-off, one M16 and five rounds one R5 with a magazine and 33 rounds, one 303, two R1 rifles with magazines and 20 rounds. ‘They are all well-oiled weapons, which indicates they are being kept in a state for use,’ said van der Westhuizen. All the weapons have been sent for ballistics testing and police are expecting that the results will provide leads and links on crimes committed in the region.