Major weapons seizure in Phoenix sparks police corruption probe
ROMMEL Ramrathan, of Phoenix, who was charged with being in possession of drugs, a drug manufacturing machine, and high calibre weapons and ammunition, will remain in jail until his next court appearance.
He appeared in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Wednesday and the case was adjourned to next month.
Ramrathan, 26, believed to be involved in drug turf war drive-by shootings, allegedly attempted to flee from his home in Westham on Monday when police found him with, among others, firearms, stun grenades, armour-piercing and high calibre ammunition.
He was arrested by members of the Provincial Organised Crime and Provincial Drugs and Firearms Unit after they received information that he kept firearms in his fleet of luxury vehicles.
The vehicles were parked outside his home.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, said eight firearms, five stun grenades, several rounds of ammunition for various calibers of firearms, including armour-piercing ammunition as well as a drug manufacturing machine and drugs, were seized.
Netshiunda said one of the recovered pistols belonged to the SAPS.
"There were also police-issued rounds of ammunition of an R5 rifle, shotgun ammunition and it is also suspected that the recovered stun grenades belong to the police service."
Mark Nadesan, the spokesperson for the Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF), said residents and the CPF welcomed the arrest.
“We commend the police for their quick action after they received the tip-off that firearms were being stored in vehicles in Westham. We praise them for acting against crime. Westham is riddled with drugs. In recent months, there have been drug-related shootings in and around the area. We urge the community to report any illicit, criminal activity or suspicious people to the police so that operations like this continue."
According to police, investigations have begun on whether Ramrathan colluded with police officers; or if the firearm, ammunition and other recovered items were stolen from slain police.