SAPS

Cape Town, Western Cape – Police have made a strong push against gang crimes in the Western Cape, arresting 26 suspects during a three-day operation from 2 to 4 November 2025. These arrests happened in areas like Manenberg, Elsies River, Kensington, Wynberg, Lentegeur and Delft, where gangs often cause trouble. Most of those caught are known gang members, facing charges for things like having illegal guns and bullets, driving a stolen car, stealing from cars, shooting in city areas, and dealing drugs. This is part of a bigger plan called Operation Lockdown III, which aims to stop drug selling, threats for money, and violent acts tied to gangs. With crime a big worry in these spots, many people hope this will make their neighbourhoods safer and cut down on fear from gang fights.
The arrests show how police are working hard to clean up the streets. In places hit hard by gangs, like the Cape Flats, folks have long asked for more action to protect families and stop young people from joining bad groups. This operation could be a step towards that, but leaders say it needs to keep going to make a real difference.

Key Arrests and Serious Charges

Among the 26 caught, one man stands out – a wanted person who ran away from jail last month. Police got a tip that led them to him in Lentegeur, where they grabbed him again. He was first held for a murder linked to gangs, showing how these crimes connect. This catch is a win for the team, as escapees often go back to causing harm.
The group faces many charges that show the range of their bad acts. These include having guns and bullets without papers, which helps gangs stay armed. Other charges cover taking a hijacked car, stealing from vehicles, firing shots in town spots, and having or selling drugs. These crimes hurt everyday people, from losing cars to living in fear of stray bullets.
Police say checks are still going on to see if these folks and their guns link to other big crimes. This could open up more cases and help solve old ones that have left families without answers.

Items Seized During the Raids

Along with the arrests, police took many things that point to crime. They found four illegal guns, different kinds of bullets, used shell cases, a stolen car, drugs, a card machine, government petrol cards, and cash thought to come from wrong acts. These finds show how gangs mix guns, drugs, and theft to make money and spread fear.
Taking these items hits gangs where it hurts – their tools and cash flow. For example, the petrol cards could tie to bigger scams using state things for personal gain. The card machine might link to fraud, showing how these groups branch out from just violence.
This haul is part of why the operation works. By cutting off their supplies, police make it harder for gangs to keep going.

What is Operation Lockdown III?

Operation Lockdown III is a country-wide plan to fight gang crimes, with a big focus on the Western Cape’s Cape Flats. It targets drug selling, threats for money, and violent acts that make life hard for many. Started to bring peace to hot spots, it brings together different police teams to hit hard and fast.
The group includes experts from the National Intervention Unit, Anti-Gang Unit, Public Order Policing, Tactical Response Team, Visible Policing, Organised Crime detectives, Crime Intelligence, Forensic experts, K9 Unit, and Mobilisation Support. This mix lets them cover everything from street stops to deep probes.
The operation has run in waves, with past rounds leading to many arrests and takedowns of gang spots. In this latest push, the focus on Cape Town areas shows where the need is greatest. Leaders say it is about more than catches – it is about making communities feel safe again.
How This Affects Local Communities
In places like Manenberg and Delft, gangs have ruled for years, bringing fear and loss. These arrests give hope to families tired of shootings and drug troubles. One local group said more police on the streets has cut down fights, letting kids play safer.
But some worry it is just short-term. They call for jobs and youth plans to stop young ones from joining gangs. With high job loss in these areas, many say fixing money woes is key to lasting peace.
Police urge people to report tips, saying community help is vital to keep the wins going. As more operations happen, locals hope for real change that makes their homes better places to live.

Next Steps in the Investigations

Police say work does not stop with these arrests. They will check if the caught folks link to other crimes, like unsolved killings or big drug rings. This could lead to more charges and bigger takedowns.
With the festive time coming, when crimes sometimes rise, operations like this aim to keep things calm. The team plans to stay active, watching hot spots and acting on new info.
For South Africa, fighting gangs is a big fight, but wins like this show progress. As police keep pushing, many hope for safer streets and less fear from crime groups.

🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

saps

SAPS Cracks Down on Gangs: 26 Arrests in Cape Town Under Operation Lockdown III

SAPS

Next Steps in the Investigations

centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate

Randburg Court Rejects Bid to Drop Charges Against Mashatile’s Former Bodyguards in N1 Assault Case

Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla Urges G20 Leaders to Tackle Health Financing Challenges at Polokwane Meeting

Related Articles

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply