The Western Police says its Crime Prevention Unit members of Muizenberg SAPS intercepted an alleged planned gang shooting in Overcome Heights at the weekend.

According to provincial SAPS management, the unit arrested four gang-affiliated males on Sunday, after it received credible intelligence about a gang planning a shooting in Overcome Heights.

Police Constable Ndakhe Gwala says the officers pounced on the address provided and found the four suspects in possession of two unlicensed firearms, 33 rounds of ammunition and a bag of cocaine.

The suspects were arrested, and the planned shooting was prevented. Gwala says once charged, the four will appear in the Muizenberg Magistrate’s court.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Monday expressed his sadness at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend.

This comes after at least 26 people died in violence on the Cape Flats since Friday.

President Ramaphosa said communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.

The president added that he recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

“The President also urges residents to provide information – even on neighbours and family members – to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals,” added the presidency in a statement

According to Ramaphosa, the South African Police Service has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months, with the assistance of community members.

Ramaphosa assures residents that governmentthe  is balancing short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence and stabilise communities, with long-term socio-economic interventions to improve social conditions and living standards.

READ MORE: