Key Points
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Cape Town police arrested four suspects for illegal firearms and drugs.
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Law enforcement recovered numerous weapons and ammunition over Easter weekend.
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Police praised their coordinated efforts in keeping communities safer.
Cape Town police had a busy Easter weekend, making significant arrests and recovering firearms, ammunition, and drugs.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, authorities detained four suspects in separate incidents across the city.
The arrests took place after police uncovered prohibited firearms, ammunition, and drugs. These seizures came as part of the city’s ongoing crackdown on illegal weapons and crime.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi reported that the Gugulethu Crime Prevention Unit conducted a routine inspection at a local spaza shop when a suspect, noticing the patrol vehicle, attempted to flee.
Officers chased and apprehended the suspect, discovering a pistol and ammunition in his possession. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of drugs and more ammunition.
Two women, connected to the suspect, were also arrested. The suspects, aged 24 to 39, now face charges of illegal firearm possession, ammunition possession, and drug-related offenses.
Police continue crackdown in Cape Town’s crime hotspots
In another incident, Ravensmead police detained a 25-year-old man involved in drug dealing.
The officers, responding to tips about suspicious activity, discovered marijuana and cash believed to be proceeds from sales. The man will appear in court on charges related to drug possession and trafficking.
On Saturday, Philippi East police arrested a 21-year-old man found with a pistol and ammunition without a valid license.
The suspect, acting suspiciously when approached by officers, was detained and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Multi-agency response leads to more arrests and seizures
Meanwhile, a Sunday operation by the Maitland Flying Squad led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol and ammunition in Kalksteenfontein.
The 29-year-old suspect arrested during the operation will face charges related to illegal possession of firearms.
The efforts of the City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies were lauded by local authorities.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, praised the swift action of metro police officers who apprehended a suspect in possession of a prohibited firearm.
Police recovered a 9mm Norinco pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition during the incident.
