CAPE TOWN - With the ongoing gang violence in the Western Cape townships, all law enforcement agencies are on high alert to eradicate the illegal possession and distribution of firearms.

On Wednesday, 11 January 2022 at about 13:30, Ravensmead SAPS Crime Prevention Unit members were busy with stop and search operations in Uitsig Avenue when they arrested a 23-year-old suspect who was found in possession of two 9mm pistols with 11 rounds of ammunition. He is believed to be a member of a specific gang grouping in Uitsig. The suspect will appear at Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition soon.

In an unrelated matter on Tuesday, 10 January 2023 at approximately 19:30, members of Delft SAPS were conducting stop and search patrols in N2 Gateway area. The search proved to be successful as members arrested a 43-year-old suspect after he was found in possession of a pistol with two magazines and 182 (one hundred and eighty two) rounds of ammunition. Once charged the suspect will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s court on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Furthermore on Tuesday, 10 January 2023 members of Maitland Flying Squad followed up on information received about a break-in at a Motor battery shop in Milnerton, the previous night. A house was searched in the Brooklyn area and six car batteries were confiscated. Five suspects between the ages 28 and 66 were arrested and detained at Milnerton SAPS on a charge of possession of stolen property. Upon further investigation, members found seven more batteries at a pawn shop in Table View. The value of the batteries are estimated at R 21 000-00. The suspects appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court on Thursday morning on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service