With rampant gun violence plaguing Cape Town, the City has warned that urgent measures are required to address the flow of illegal firearms across its communities. 

In just seven days, the City’s enforcement agencies confiscated eight firearms in neighbourhoods already grappling with deadly shootings.  

“Law Enforcement officers recovered six firearms in the past week in Lavender Hill, Eastridge, Manenberg, Lentegeur and Atlantis,” the City confirmed in a statement.  

In Atlantis, officers discovered “two firearms, ammunition and drugs hidden in a public garden near a known gang premises.” 

Metro Police counterparts also seized a firearm in Hanover Park and another along the R300 near Delft, adding to the tally.  

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the latest confiscations came from both patrols and community tip-offs.  

“This past weekend saw another surge in gun violence in Steenberg and surrounds as well as Mitchells Plain. We need urgent and decisive action from SAPS to quell the gun violence and the loss of life. The City is willing and able to assist beyond our current supporting role.” 

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General enforcement efforts saw 171 arrests made and the issuance of 5,838 notices in the past week.  

Metro Police arrested 52 suspects, while Traffic Services arrested 32 people, including nine for driving under the influence and 18 for contravening the Immigration Act. 

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1,407 incidents over the weekend, including 96 assaults and 50 cases of domestic violence. 

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