An 18-year-old man from Wandsworth is set to appear at Inner London Crown Court this week facing 29 serious criminal charges linked to an alarming cache of homemade weapons, firearms, and explosive substances.

Sakhile Ntsele, of Wandsworth Road, SW8, was arrested following a police response to a disturbance at his home on Sunday, 27 October 2024. What initially appeared to be a routine welfare call soon evolved into a complex and high-risk criminal investigation.

Initial Arrest and Escalating Charges

Ntsele’s first court appearance was at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 29 October 2024, where he faced two initial charges:

• Threatening a person with an offensive weapon
• Making threats to kill

However, as the Trident team from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime South Command dug deeper, the case rapidly intensified.

On Friday, 8 November 2024, Ntsele was further charged with manufacturing a weapon, raising concerns about the possibility of active weapon production within a residential area.

The situation escalated dramatically on Thursday, 13 March 2025, when police filed 26 more charges, including:

• Eight counts of possessing explosive substances with intent to endanger life
• Eight counts of making explosive substances for an unlawful purpose
• Five counts of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life
• Five counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate

The growing list of offences paints a disturbing picture of potential danger, with investigators alleging Ntsele may have been involved in the manufacture and possession of weapons capable of causing mass harm.

Public Concern and Police Response

Public reaction has been swift, with widespread concern expressed online. On social media platform X, one user wrote: "How does an 18-year-old get access to this stuff in London?" Others have raised questions about security measures in residential areas and the effectiveness of early detection efforts.

In response, the Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on serious weapons offences. The Trident unit, known for targeting gun and gang-related crime, reported over 1,000 weapons-related arrests in 2024, highlighting the scale of their operations.

What Happens Next?

Ntsele is expected to appear at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 28 March, where the court will consider the next steps, including a plea hearing or trial date. Given the complexity and gravity of the charges, legal experts anticipate a lengthy court process.

Police have not yet disclosed whether further evidence — such as digital materials, communication records, or witness testimony — may be brought forward. The case could set a significant legal precedent, particularly due to Ntsele’s young age and the alleged nature of the weapons.

A Wider Warning?

Authorities believe this case underscores the ongoing threat posed by homemade explosive devices and illegal firearms in urban settings. It has reignited debate around youth radicalisation, access to weapon-making materials, and the importance of community intelligence in preventing harm.

Anyone with information on illegal weapons or suspicious activity is urged to contact police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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