Durban court: Businessman faces firearms charges after police seize 29 guns
Businessman Tariq Downes has been granted R5,000 bail in Durban on firearm-related charges. The State did not oppose bail but asked for conditions preventing him from contacting a potential witness.
Tariq Downes, a businessman who has been charged along with former crime intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan in a corruption and precious metals case, has been granted R5,000 bail in a separate matter by the Durban Magistrate's Court. Downes is currently facing charges related to high-calibre firearms, having handed himself over to the police on Monday and applying for bail on Tuesday. The State did not oppose his bail application.
Downes is accused of providing firearms and ammunition to Smilo Mthembu, an employee at High Calibre Security, during June 2026, without proper authorization. He was also found in possession of firearms without a permit. Police seized 29 guns from the security company, with 10 still missing and 15 allegedly on-site. Downes, who is the director and beneficial owner of High Calibre Security, faces these charges after a police inspection on May 12.
Senior Public Prosecutor Nkululeko Msiya stated that the State was not opposing Downes' bail application due to his involvement in the corruption and precious metals case in Gauteng. The police are still investigating whether Downes is the actual owner of the security company. Mthembu may serve as either a witness or co-accused, but investigations are ongoing.
Msiya also mentioned that the security company's address had been changed without informing the relevant authorities, resulting in some firearms being unaccounted for.
When questioned about bail conditions, Msiya suggested a standard set of rules, but emphasized that Downes must not interfere with the ongoing investigation and refrain from contacting Mthembu. Downes' lawyer, Brandon Henry, confirmed they could afford the R5,000 bail and wished to verify if Mthembu was still employed at the company.
Magistrate Siyanda Mlaba warned Downes to inform his lawyer if he intends to travel outside the country, as well as not to communicate with the investigating officer or attempt to bribe him. If Downes breaches these conditions, he will remain in custody until the matter is finalized. The matter was adjourned until November 17 for further investigation.
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