Mary Papayya

Mary Papayya

Durban Metro police yesterday remained tight-lipped when the Independent Complaints Directorate gave the department two months in which to tighten its control over its firearms and ammunition.

But the South African Municipal Workers Union, whose members are Metro police officers, called for "heads to roll".

The directorate released a damming report this week after its lengthy probe into missing firearms and allegations that weapons were sold to criminals.

Metro police bosses came under fire for not exerting sufficient control over weapons and ammunition. The report also detailed the discovery of military weapons on the Metro police premises.

The report said that anyone with a key to the ammunition store could gain entry without getting authorisation.

The report recommended an in-depth investigation be conducted on the Metro police premises. It was further recommended that those responsible for the acquisition of R1rifles and .45calibre pistols and ammunition found in Metro stores be prosecuted.

Metro police head Eugene Nzama was unavailable for comment.

Samwu spokesman Madala Nhleko said: "Overall the report shows there is a lack of proper leadership and Nzama and other managers must face strong action from the municipality."