Key Points
- Police and enforcement agencies seized multiple illegal firearms over the Easter weekend.
- Dramatic confrontations led to arrests, including one where a suspect was wounded after pointing a firearm.
- A total of 22 firearms were seized in the past two weeks, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat illegal firearms in Cape Town.
Early Arrests and Firearm Seizures
Cape Town police and City enforcement agencies took significant action during the Easter weekend. They made several arrests and seized illegal firearms and drugs across the city.
On Thursday, the Gugulethu Crime Prevention Unit conducted a compliance inspection at a spaza shop. They arrested three suspects for possessing a prohibited firearm, ammunition, and drugs. During the search, they also arrested two women for unlawful possession of ammunition. Meanwhile, Ravensmead police acted on a tip-off about suspicious activities. They arrested a 25-year-old man for dealing in drugs after discovering marijuana and cash, believed to be the proceeds of drug sales.
Arrests and Seizures Across Cape Town
On Saturday, Philippi East police detained a 21-year-old man for possessing a 9mm pistol and ammunition without a valid license. Officers had noticed the man acting nervously when he saw the patrol vehicle. They approached him, searched him, and recovered the firearm along with several magazines. Later, Milnerton police responded to a shoplifting complaint. Upon arrival, they searched a woman and found a pistol with ammunition in her possession. The police arrested her.
Maitland Flying Squad also responded to intelligence about firearms in Kalksteenfontein. Their search led to the recovery of a 9mm pistol and ammunition. They arrested a 29-year-old man for unlawful possession.
Dramatic Confrontations and Firearm Recoveries
Metro police were assisting Fire and Rescue in Philippi when they encountered a suspicious individual on Saturday. After a brief chase, the suspect pointed a firearm at the officers. The officers responded with defensive action, wounding the suspect in the leg. They recovered a 9mm Norinco pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition. The suspect now faces charges for possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition, and pointing a firearm.
Ongoing Firearm Seizures and City Efforts
Over the past two weeks, police have seized 22 firearms in various operations. On Friday, LEAP officers recovered a firearm in Hanover Park. On Saturday, they responded to gunfire in Athwood Road. After chasing and apprehending three suspects, officers found two carrying prohibited firearms and ammunition. They later discovered a third firearm abandoned in the area.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, praised the efforts of City enforcement agencies. He expressed hope for a safer Cape Town, saying, “We’re working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Let’s keep hoping for a safer Cape Town.”
