Four men have been arrested after traffic officers uncovered four illegal firearms and a large quantity of ammunition during a vehicle stop at the N2 weighbridge in Somerset West on Sunday, 1 November 2026.

The latest seizure comes just days after 22 firearms were taken off the streets, raising further concern about the number of illegal weapons circulating in the City of Cape Town.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says five occupants were inside the vehicle when Highway Patrol officers stopped it.

“Four of the occupants were arrested, while a fifth suspect fled the scene.”

Smith says the latest recovery adds to the growing number of firearms confiscated by law enforcement officers.

“I want to commend the Highway Patrol officers for their vigilance. Their sharp observation skills led to more illegal guns being taken out of circulation, and possibly fewer crimes committed or lives destroyed.”

He says the increasing number of weapons being recovered remains a serious concern, particularly as officers continue to encounter increasingly dangerous firearms.

“The influx of weapons, including more and more automatic and semi-automatic assault rifles, remains deeply concerning and it’s one of the reasons we have long called for better and more aggressive policing along the metro’s borders to curb the smuggling of firearms into the Metro.”