Western Cape police notched up several successes this weekend in their efforts to rid the streets of dangerous firearms.

On Sunday night, 15 June, police members attached to Operation Shanela arrested a 39-year-old man in Brown’s Farm, Nyanga, for the possession of an AK47 assault rifle and ammunition.

The members were conducting stop and search operations in Tyhali Street, when they stopped and searched the suspect’s vehicle.

He is appearing in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court today.

Meanwhile on Monay 16 June, Anti-Gang Unit members were deployed to Hangberg to conduct an intelligence driven operation in Salamander Road.

During the operation, an 18-year-old man was arrested in possession of a .38 Special revolver without a serial number and a 9mm pistol with 55 rounds of ammunition. He faces charges for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Officers then moved on to Rhode Vos Street, where they confiscated 63 rounds of ammunition and three magazines. They arrested a 23-year-old woman for the illegal possession of ammunition.

During a tracing operation by detectives, they also arrested four men who were wanted in connection with charges of murder which occurred in Hout Bay recently.

In addition, members searched a vehicle and confiscated a 9mm pistol with ammunition, which was found inside the driver’s side door. The suspects will appear in the Simon’s Town Magistrates Court soon.

Also on 16 June, officers arrested suspects in Grassy Park and Uitsig for the possession of illegal firearms. In both instances, crime prevention initiatives were launched to confiscate firearms which are used to commit serious and violent crime.

In the Delft area, two suspects were also arrested for the possession of unlicensed firearms on Sunday.