Semi-automatic rifles bought from Malta at centre of South Africa dispute

The owners of the Izhmash Saiga M3s - similar to AK47s - say they are a licensed maritime security company that has a valid temporary import/export permit to move weapons through South Africa.

But the police say the permit was obtained using false information and criminal charges could be in the offing.

The application in the Durban High Court was brought by UK-registered Solace Global Maritime Ltd, which wanted an order against the South African minister of police for the rifles to be immediately returned.

In his affidavit, Solace managing director David Peach says the company provides armed operatives to shipping companies for the protection of ships from pirates.

He said the weapons permit - which was granted to the company's nominee, Robert Davies of Maritime Operations - was granted in May last year and covered nine rifles, including the three involved in the dispute, which Solace had legally bought from an importer in Malta.

Just two weeks later, the three weapons were seized from the ship Elinakous, and Davies was told that the permit was invalid and a criminal file was opened.

Despite correspondence requesting explanations and demands for the return of the rifles, none was forthcoming.

In the meantime, he said, the company was losing US$873 000 in contracts  because it could not meet its obligations.

Peach said that in November last year, Davies had been advised that the SA National Prosecuting Authority had declined to prosecute and had recommended the return of the rifles. He also alleged that the rifles were not being properly stored.

He said it appeared that the firearms were not registered and questioned what had become of the other six.