WESTERN CAPE - Police members of Operation Restore deployed in Delft policing precinct to quell the ongoing gang violence in the area, confiscated firearms and ammunition and arrested and detained three suspects on Saturday 18 February 2023

At around 19:30, the police members were busy with patrols near to a local shopping complex when they heard gunshots. As they approached, they saw people running in different directions. The community members pointed at three unknown males at the entrance to the shop. The police officers stopped and searched the trio and found a 9mm pistol with ammunition in the possession of one of the suspects. The 35-year-old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

The members were busy with stop and searched operations at around 20:20 in Leiden when they heard gunshots. They tactically approached the house in Homtini Street where chaos erupted. Upon entering the premises they saw an unknown man with a firearm in his hand who was about exit the premises. They stopped the suspect in his tracks and disarmed him. The 40-year-old male was arrested and detained on a charge of discharging of a firearm in a municipal area.

The platoon responded to information and approached a home in Welwelshier Street at around 22:20. An unknown male accompanied the police officers whilst they searched the premises. They recovered a black unknown calibre pistol hidden in a sports bag. The 26-year-old man could not provide a valid license to be in possession of the firearm. He was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm.

Once charged the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Bellville Magistrate court on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service