Sakhile Ntsele, an 18-year-old, has been convicted of possessing a firearm and producing explosives after secretly creating a collection of weapons in his bedroom over several years. The discovery of his arsenal occurred in October 2024 when police were called after Ntsele attacked a family member with a homemade sword. A subsequent search of his room revealed seven improvised explosive devices and five firearms with ammunition. His internet search history indicated hundreds of hours spent watching tutorials on making shotgun shells and constructing homemade weapons. Ntsele had previously come to the attention of authorities at age 14 in 2021 for possessing 55 rounds of ammunition, some of which he had modified. Although that case was discontinued in March 2023, the charges were incorporated into the 2024 investigation.
A jury found Ntsele guilty on eight counts of making explosive substances for unlawful purposes, though he was cleared on other charges. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition without a certificate in 2021 and five counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate. The teenager, from Wandsworth, south-west London, is scheduled for sentencing in February. Detective Inspector Raymond Sekalongo described Ntsele as being "completely obsessed with weapons and firearms," with a self-taught expertise in crafting them, often watching instructional videos daily. Ntsele managed to conceal his activities from his family, who were unaware of his online searches and activities. The investigation ensured he could not cause further harm, and the case has highlighted the risks associated with the accessibility of dangerous online content for young people, prompting a call for parents to monitor their children's online activities.