London teenager who threatened to blow up school collected homemade guns and explosives in his bedroom

"Sakhile Ntsele, 18, spent years using wood and metal pipes to construct the collection of makeshift weapons at his home in Wandsworth, southwest London. Police discovered the armoury after he attacked his twin brother with a sword he had made from a metal bar in October last year. And Ntsele's brother went on to give evidence at his trial, revealing the alarming comments he had made while collecting the viable weapons."

"Sakhile Ntsele said his twin had expressed support for Hitler and Stalin, made jokes about attacking fellow school pupils, and once threatened to shoot him with a homemade gun. He was making the guns to prepare for his plan, Sakhile said his brother had once revealed. Police also recovered a Cheeselets biscuits tub containing rocket candy explosive from Ntsele's bedroom."

"Inner London crown court heard that in 2022, Ntsele had revealed in a safeguarding assessment that he believed there would be no peace at the school he attended as I'm going to blow up the school with explosives. On Monday, a jury found Ntsele guilty of eight counts of making explosive substances for unlawful purposes. He had already admitted possession of ammunition without a certificate in 2021 and five counts of possession of a firearm without a certificate."

Sakhile Ntsele, 18, constructed a cache of makeshift weapons using wood and metal pipes at his Wandsworth home, including five firearms, ammunition and seven improvised explosive devices. Police found the arsenal after he attacked his twin with a homemade metal-bar sword; the twin later testified about threats, jokes about attacking pupils and support for Hitler and Stalin. Officers also recovered a Cheeselets biscuits tub containing rocket candy explosive and internet history showing hundreds of hours watching videos on making shotgun shells and home-made weapons. Jurors convicted Ntsele of eight counts of making explosive substances for unlawful purposes; he had earlier admitted ammunition and firearm possession counts. He was cleared of more serious intent charges and remanded in custody pending sentencing in February. Authorities first encountered Ntsele in 2021 when he was arrested at age 14.

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