The swift action of Western Cape police members resulted in the arrest of three suspects for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in two unrelated operations conducted on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
In the first incident, members attached to the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and the Counterfeit and Policing Team acted on intelligence regarding alleged extortionists who were reportedly in possession of firearms at a premises in Makhaza, Khayelitsha.
During a search of the premises, members recovered an AK-47 assault rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition, as well as an imitation firearm. Two suspects, aged 28 and 32, were arrested on charges of the illegal possession of a firearm, ammunition and an imitation firearm.
The recovery of this high-powered firearm is significant, as it may have prevented a serious violent crime, including the possibility of a mass murder, from taking place.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court once they have been formally charged.
In an unrelated operation, members of Kensington SAPS followed up on information about a firearm allegedly being kept at a premises in Wellesley Street, Kensington.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of a revolver and 18 rounds of ammunition. A 40-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of the illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 03 August 2026.
