Western Cape Police Ramp Up Crackdown: Multiple Arrests and Seizures of Illegal Firearms and Drugs in Weekend Operations
Cape Town – Western Cape police have stepped up their fight against crime in troubled areas, seizing several illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs in a series of operations over the weekend. These efforts, aimed at bringing peace to communities hit hard by gang violence and extortion, have led to key arrests and the removal of dangerous weapons from the streets. From Khayelitsha to Saldanha, the actions show a strong push to curb illegal activities that threaten public safety.
The operations come as part of a bigger drive by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province, where over 1,400 illegal firearms have been confiscated since April 2025. In just one week last month, 92 guns were taken and 92 suspects nabbed, highlighting the ongoing battle against armed crime. With gang hotspots like Lotus River seeing daily shootouts, these busts offer hope for calmer neighbourhoods, but police warn that community help is key to lasting change.
Khayelitsha Memorial Turns Tense: Young Man Nabbed with Unlicensed Revolver
In Lingelethu-West, Khayelitsha, police were keeping an eye on a memorial service for a known extortionist in Hobo Hobo Street on Thursday evening when gunshots rang out – likely a “gun salute” gone wrong. Officers quickly chased a suspect seen running with a firearm toward a white Toyota vehicle.
A search of the car uncovered a revolver, two spent cartridges, and three .38 rounds of ammunition. The 22-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. A gun residue test was carried out on him, and investigations revealed the weapon belonged to a deceased person from Mbekweni in Wellington.
The suspect is due to appear in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 6 October 2025. This incident underscores the risks of illegal guns at gatherings, where they often lead to violence in areas already strained by extortion rackets.
Lotus River Gang Hotspot Yields Firearm Bust Amid Anti-Gang Drive
As part of ongoing efforts to curb rising gang violence in the Lotus River and Grassy Park areas, members of the Anti-Gang Unit acted on a tip-off last week about a firearm hidden at a home in Duiker Avenue, Lotus River. The team searched the premises and its occupants, finding a revolver with five rounds on a 26-year-old man.
The suspect, who had no valid licence for the weapon, was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court soon. This bust is part of a targeted campaign against rival street gangs, where shootouts have become all too common, leaving residents in fear.
The Anti-Gang Unit’s work has been crucial in hotspots like this, where illegal firearms fuel turf wars and endanger innocent lives. Recent stats show similar operations in nearby Delft and Elsies River have netted drugs and weapons, helping to ease tensions.
Vanrhynsdorp Vehicle Checkpoint Nets Dagga Haul and Four Arrests
On Friday, Vanrhynsdorp SAPS teamed up with Provincial Traffic for a vehicle checkpoint when they pulled over a blue Mazda Etude with four occupants. A search uncovered two large bags of dagga, leading to the arrest of the group – aged between 22 and 49 – for dealing in and possessing the drug.
The suspects are set to appear in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in rural areas, where highways often serve as routes for smuggling. Dagga seizures like this disrupt supply chains that feed addiction and related crimes in communities.
High-Speed Chase in Rondebosch Ends with Firearms and Drug Bust
In a dramatic pursuit on Friday, 3 October 2025, SAPS members on crime prevention patrols in the Rondebosch area spotted a beige VW Polo reported stolen from Athlone. A high-speed chase ensued along Main Road toward Cape Town, with the suspect vehicle turning onto Liesbeek Parkway and crashing into a marked Fidelity security vehicle.
Four adult males were arrested at the scene. Police confiscated two firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, two cellphones, and four mandrax tablets. All suspects face charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as drugs, and were taken to Woodstock SAPS for further investigation.
This bust prevented potentially more crime, as stolen vehicles often tie into bigger networks of theft and violence in the Cape Town area.
Saldanha Patrol Leads to Teen Arrest with Prohibited Firearm
On Saturday, Saldanha Crime Prevention Unit members were on patrol in Diazville when they heard a gunshot in Vraagom Street. Heading toward the sound on foot, they spotted two suspicious men who tried to flee upon seeing the officers.
One, an 18-year-old, was found with a 9mm firearm (serial number filed off) and an extended magazine holding 27 rounds. He was arrested for possessing a prohibited firearm and is due in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. This quick response stopped what could have been a dangerous situation in a community already wary of gun violence.
Police Praise Efforts, Urge Community Support
Western Cape police have welcomed these successes, noting they form part of a broader commitment to rid streets of illegal firearms and drugs. In recent weeks, operations across the province – including in Bellville, Mitchells Plain, and other hotspots – have yielded dozens of arrests and seizures.
Spokesperson Sam Tselenyane stressed the importance of public tips in these wins, urging residents to report suspicious activity. “Our teams are working tirelessly to bring stability to crime-ridden areas, but community cooperation is vital,” he said.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info: