The determination by Western Cape police members to decrease crime in our communities and to put perpetrators of the law behind bars yielded positive results when they arrested several suspects and taking illegal firearm and ammunition off the streets.
On Friday, 04 April 2025, members of Kleinvlei SAPS Crime Prevention Unit spotted a suspicious vehicle in Forest Drive, Russel Rest, Eersteriver. The members stopped and searched the occupants, including the vehicle, and found a Norinco 9mm firearm with eight rounds of ammunition inside the vehicle. The three male occupants were unable to account for the firearm and ammunition and were subsequently arrested for the possession thereof.
Further investigation indicates that the firearm was reported stolen in Tongaat in January 2023. The three suspects will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court on Monday, 07 April 2025.
In an unrelated matter, on 03 April 2025 at about 04:30, members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit received information about a firearm being stored at a premises in Martin Street, Westridge, Mitchells Plain. The members went to the address and searched the premises and found a CZ 9mm firearm and several rounds of ammunition. A 35-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates court on Monday, 07 April 2025.
Meanwhile, members attached to Operation Restore were on duty and doing stop and searches in Mfuleni area, when Crime Intelligence members requested assistance regarding a suspect at a premises in Waterberry Street, Wesbank in the Mfuleni policing precinct. The members assisted and tactically entered the premises. They searched the premises and arrested two adult males in possession of two 9mm firearms and several rounds of ammunition. The two suspects will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court on Monday, 07 April 2025.
Western Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv) T.E. Patekile commended all the units that were involved in the operation for the successes and also thanked the public for their cooperation that ensured that firearms and ammunitions were removed from the streets.