W Cape Police Crack Down on Crime with Multiple Firearm and Drug Arrests

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has intensified its operations to combat rampant gun violence, drug trafficking, and organised crime. Over the past week, law enforcement units across the province have achieved a string of successful arrests, recovering illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics in a coordinated effort to stabilise high-crime areas.

According to SAPS spokespersons, these arrests form part of ongoing provincial initiatives to “disrupt criminal networks and reclaim communities from lawlessness.”

Gunfire at Memorial in Ilitha Park Leads to Arrest

On Thursday evening, SAPS members conducting surveillance at a memorial service for an alleged extortionist in Hobo Hobo Street, Ilitha Park, Lingelethu-West, swiftly responded when they heard gunshots — believed to be a gun salute by attendees.

Officers immediately chased a suspect seen running toward a white Toyota. After intercepting the vehicle, they discovered a revolver, two spent cartridges, and three .38 rounds of live ammunition.

The 22-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and a gun residue test was conducted on him to confirm recent weapon use. Investigations revealed that the firearm had previously been registered to a deceased individual from Mbekweni, Wellington. The suspect will appear in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on 6 October 2025.

Police officials noted that the recovered weapon may be linked to other cases under investigation, as the memorial was attended by individuals with known ties to organised criminal activities in the area.

Anti-Gang Unit Seizes Firearm in Lotus River

In a separate incident, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) deployed to Lotus River and Grassy Park — areas plagued by turf wars between rival street gangs — acted on intelligence regarding a hidden firearm at a residence in Duiker Avenue.

The team conducted a tactical search of the premises and discovered a revolver with five rounds of ammunition in the possession of a 26-year-old male who lacked a firearm license. The suspect was arrested and faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

He is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in the coming days. Police believe the weapon may have been used in recent gang-related shootings in the area.

Vanrhynsdorp Operation Nabs Drug Traffickers

Meanwhile, Vanrhynsdorp SAPS, working in conjunction with Provincial Traffic officers, conducted a vehicle checkpoint operation that led to a significant drug seizure.

A blue Mazda Etude carrying four male occupants, aged between 22 and 49, was pulled over for inspection. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered two large bags filled with dagga. The suspects were arrested for dealing and possession of dagga and are scheduled to appear in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court.

Police sources indicated that the drugs were likely being transported between towns for distribution to local dealers.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Multiple Arrests in Rondebosch

In another operation, on 3 October 2025, SAPS members on crime prevention patrols in Rondebosch received information about a beige VW Polo stolen in Athlone. Officers soon spotted the vehicle traveling along Main Road towards Cape Town, sparking a high-speed pursuit.

The chase ended when the suspect vehicle collided with a marked Fidelity security vehicle on Liesbeeck Parkway. All four male occupants were apprehended after attempting to flee on foot.

A subsequent search yielded two firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, two cellphones, and four mandrax tablets. The suspects face multiple charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, and vehicle theft. They are currently held at Woodstock SAPS pending further investigation.

Gunfire in Saldanha Leads to Arrest of Armed Teen

On Saturday, members of the Saldanha Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling Diazville, Saldanha, when they heard gunshots in Vraagom Street. Acting swiftly, officers advanced on foot and encountered two suspicious men attempting to flee the scene.

The suspects were intercepted, and a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off was found in possession of an 18-year-old male, along with an extended magazine loaded with 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

He was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and will appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. Investigators suspect the weapon may have been used in recent gang-related incidents in the West Coast district.

Police Commend Community Cooperation

Western Cape SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile commended officers for their “swift and disciplined response” and urged communities to continue assisting police through anonymous tip-offs.

“These arrests demonstrate our unwavering commitment to making the Western Cape safer. Every illegal firearm removed from the streets saves lives,” he said.

Police have reiterated that operations will intensify in the lead-up to the festive season, with a focus on gang violence, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking hotspots throughout the province.