Cape town: Police in the Western Cape conducted a series of operations resulting in the confiscation of several unlicensed and prohibited firearms, ammunition, and drugs over the weekend. The operations, carried out from Friday, 19 September 2025, to Saturday, 20 September 2025, led to the arrest of multiple suspects involved in illegal activities across the province.

According to South African Police Service, the operations began with the arrest of a 22-year-old male on 19 September 2025 at around 22:00 in Siwa Street, KTC, Gugulethu. The suspect was apprehended by members of Operation Shanele II for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, specifically an AK47 rifle with seven rounds. This arrest occurred during a stop and search operation in Gugulethu.

In a separate incident on the same day, members of the Ravensmead SAPS Crime Prevention Unit arrested a 40-year-old male in Uitsig for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The suspect was spotted on Uitsig Avenue and attempted to f
lee upon seeing the police. He was caught and found with a Walther 7.65 mm pistol and seven rounds after entering a premises on Daisy Street.

Further, the SAPS Wynberg Crime Prevention Unit acted on information about drugs stored at a house on Gosport Road, Wynberg. Upon searching the premises, they discovered a 47-year-old male hiding under a bed. The search revealed 90 packets of tik and a bag containing approximately 50 mg of tik, leading to the suspect’s arrest for possession of drugs.

Additionally, members of the Public Order Police arrested a 24-year-old male for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition in Eureka Estate. The arrest followed gunshots in the area, with community members directing police to the suspect on Connaught Road, Uitsig. The suspect was found with a Taurus 9mm pistol, its serial number removed, and 12 rounds.

On 20 September 2025, members involved in Operation Restore II arrested a 23-year-old male in Delft for drug dealing. Information received during stop and search o
perations led to the suspect, found with a large quantity of dagga at a premises on Verloravlei Street, Leiden, Delft.

The confiscated firearms are set to undergo ballistic tests to determine any involvement in criminal activities. All suspects are scheduled to appear in the respective Magistrates’ courts in Athlone, Goodwood, Wynberg, and Bellville on Monday, 22 September 2025.

The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, praised the officers for their successful operations and affirmed the continuation of such efforts in their districts.