Alleged gang members arrested with 8 new guns in Ottery

The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police officers have arrested two alleged members of the Fancy Boys gang in Schaapkraal, Ottery, on Thursday after eight brand-new firearms were found in their possession.

Accoriding ot the mayoral committee candidate for safety and security, JP Smith, this operation follows the arrest of five alleged Fancy Boys members on Monday. The suspects were arrested following a deadly shooting on Military Road, Steenberg, that left two people dead. The suspects were arrested after a high-speed chase with police and Law Enforcement officers. A pistol, two high-powered semi-automatic rifles and ammunition were recovered.

According to Smith, in January 2025, a raid at premises allegedly linked to the same gang in Schaapkraal yielded five handguns, three high-powered rifles and ammunition.

“Since then, our officers have recovered hundreds of firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and countless bags of drugs fuelling gang wars. This points to sustained weapons supplies, organised criminal financing and networks operating within our communities. With local government elections approaching, the apparent escalation is particularly concerning.”

Smith has reiterated that arrests and seizures are essential, but added that investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) must follow the evidence to the suppliers, financiers and networks behind the violence.

“Every firearm, ammunition cache and significant arrest should trigger thorough investigations, including forensic analysis, intelligence development, witness interviews and, where justified, court-authorised access to financial records.”

The City has again called for greater authority to contribute to serious and organised crime investigations within its own policing mandate. Smith says municipal officers can seize firearms, arrest suspects where legally empowered and secure evidence, but added that dismantling criminal enterprises requires sustained investigations and inter-agency cooperation.

The City’s proposals to strengthen this response have been rejected, denied and prevented at all costs. Capable municipal investigators should be enabled to contribute more directly, rather than being ‘prevented from helping close the gap’ between arrests and dismantling these criminal networks.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has urged the South African Police Service to build a watertight case against the suspects and ensure that the evidence supports successful prosecution and convictions. Marais says the sentences imposed must reflect the devastating consequences of gun violence for victims, families and communities. An arrest is an important first step, but justice must follow.

“Every illegal firearm removed from criminal hands is a potential life saved. These weapons fuel gang violence, devastate families and leave communities living in fear. We must continue to disrupt the supply of illegal firearms and ensure they cannot be used to inflict further harm,” added Marais

The minister added that she remains convinced that Metro Police powers should be expanded to allow them to investigate cases arising from arrests they make, particularly gun-related offences.

“Empowering these officers to investigate the cases they initiate could strengthen the criminal justice response, reduce delays and help bring justice sooner to victims and communities,”