South African Police Service (SAPS) units in the Western Cape have made significant strides in combating crime, with several successful operations resulting in the confiscation of illegal firearms and ammunition. On Thursday, police attended a memorial service in Ilitha Park, where they responded to gunshots and arrested a 22-year-old man for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The firearm, a revolver, was found to belong to a deceased person from Mbekweni in Wellington.
In a separate incident, the Anti-Gang unit deployed in Lotus River and Grassy Park areas received information about a stored firearm, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect and the confiscation of a revolver with five rounds. The suspect is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
Additionally, SAPS members in Vanrhynsdorp, in collaboration with Provincial Traffic, set up a vehicle checkpoint and arrested four occupants of a Blue Mazda Etude for dealing and possession of dagga. The suspects are due to appear in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court.
On October 3, SAPS members conducting crime prevention patrols in Rondebosch area spotted a stolen beige VW Polo, leading to a high-speed chase. The vehicle collided with a marked Fidelity vehicle, and four adult males were arrested and found to be in possession of two firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, two cellphones, and four mandrax tablets.
In another incident, Saldanha Crime Prevention Unit members heard a gunshot in Diazville and apprehended two suspicious-looking men, one of whom was found to be in possession of a 9mm firearm with its serial number removed and an extended magazine with 27 rounds of ammunition. The 18-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and will appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court.
These successful operations demonstrate the SAPS’ efforts to bring stability to crime-ridden areas in the Western Cape. The confiscation of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as the arrest of suspects, will likely contribute to a reduction in crime rates. The suspects are expected to appear in various magistrate’s courts, facing charges related to possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as drug-related offenses.