Western Cape Police officers have confiscated three AK-47 assault rifles in the space of just three days this week.
On Tuesday, 26 August, members of both Operation Shanela and the National Intervention Unit achieved success in separate interventions in Makhaza and Gugulethu, respectively.
Officers attached to Operation Shanela, deployed in the Western Cape to combat the ongoing gang violence, conducted a high-density operation in Makhaza.
A vehicle checkpoint was set up in Japhta K Masemola Drive opposite the local taxi rank, following the deadly shooting a day before, when a suspicious Toyota LDV approached them.
When the driver of the vehicle became aware of the presence of the police members, he changed direction. However, he was forced to stay in his lane and brought to a halt.
The members immediately approached the vehicle and, upon searching, confiscated an AK-47 assault rifle and a 9mm pistol with ammunition.
They detained two men, aged 37, for the possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
That same day in Gugulethu, members attached to the National Intervention Unit followed up on information about two suspects in possession of firearms without valid permits at different locations in the suburb.
The members approached a residence in NY4 and searched the entire premises, which resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle with ammunition hidden underneath a mattress in the living room.
They detained an adult man for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
At another house in the area, they arrested a second suspect for the unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol with ammunition.
On Thursday, 28 August, the Anti-Gang Unit followed up on information about a firearm stored at a home in Gilo Street in N2 Gateway, Delft.
The officers surprised the occupant and conducting a search of the house.
An AK-47 was found hidden in a plastic bag underneath a bed, and they arrested a 24-year-old man.
The Western Cape police confiscate weapons on an almost daily basis, and yet gun violence continues unabated.
