Western Cape police have made another breakthrough in the fight against illegal firearms.

In an intelligence-driven operation on Monday morning, 22 September, officers pounced on a flat in Bellville, and seized six AK-47 rifles, eight pistols, and ammunition believed to have been trafficked from KwaZulu-Natal.

The police’s Andre Traut says eight men were arrested and are set to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court.

“Provincial police management has commended the members for their dedication and swift action, which led to this breakthrough. The removal of these firearms from the streets has undoubtedly prevented them from being used in the commission of serious crimes, and this success highlights the commitment of SAPS to ensuring safer communities.”

It comes after police uncovered a massive firearms cache in Mitchells Plain at the start of this month. During that operation, officers seized 19 firearms and 1,500 rounds of ammunition.