WESTERN CAPE: 17 MAY 2023 - The vigilance of members attached to Operation Lockdown 2 whom had been deployed to perform crime prevention duties in the Cape Metropole, lead to the arrest of three suspects aged between 23 and 30 for the unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of a prohibited firearm as well as the possession of a stolen motor vehicle. On Tuesday 2023-05-16 at about 14:00 the members conducted stop and searches in Lingelethu-West area, on Mew Way Road when they stopped a charcoal VW Polo with three occupants.
The vehicle was not fitted with a front number plate which attracted the attention of the members. The members pulled over and searched the vehicle upon which they discovered two handguns, an Astra, and an Ekol pistol, as well as a replica pistol. In addition they also found 10 rounds of .38 revolver rounds as well a shotgun-rubber bullet. The serial numbers of the Astra were removed.
The males could also not provide any account of ownership of the motor vehicle they were traveling in and upon further enquiries it was established that the Polo was robbed from the owner in Philippi area and that the owner had not yet reported the incident.
The suspects aged between 23 and 30 will be charged for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of a prohibited firearm as well as the possession of a stolen motor vehicle. They are due to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates court soon on the mentioned charges.
In an unrelated matter, on 2023-05-16 members of the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an operation in the Manenberg area following a recent increase in gang-related violence in the area. The members conducted a search at a residence in Rio Grand Street following information of a possible firearm hidden at the location. On searching the residence the members recovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition. A 20 year old man was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Once charged he will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court.