13 C
Cape Town
Friday, July 25, 2025

Police seizes 24 firearms, arrests 67 in ongoing crackdown on gang violence

Published on

 

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has lauded the efforts of SAPS members on the ground who have managed to arrest 67 suspects, wanted for murder or attempted murder, in just one week.

 

Between Sunday 15 June and Sunday 22 June, police officers also confiscated 24 firearms with a total of 371 rounds of ammunition, which includes an AK47 assault rifle and a shotgun.

 

ALSO READ: More firearms taken off the streets, including an AK47

 

It forms part of efforts to fight gang violence, which is the biggest contributor to violent crime statistics in the province.

 

Recently, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit has been bolstered by an additional 100 members to make inroads in some traditionally challenging areas.

 

Patekile says these crime prevention initiatives will continue as police clamp down on suspects who threaten the safety and security of communities.

 

The continued recovery of firearms is a result of proactive efforts, which include patrols, targeted operations and searches.

 

Patekile has also appealed to the public to work together with police to fight crime in their communities.

 

“Firearms are a weapon of choice that are used by most criminals to commit criminal offences. The police will build the momentum and will remain committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all people in the Western Cape.”

 

READ: WC Police refute City’s claims of low conviction rates for illegal firearms

 

Liesl Smit
Liesl Smit
Liesl is the Smile 90.4FM News Manager. She has been at Smile since 2016, with nearly 20 years experience in the radio industry, including reading news, field reporting and producing. In 2008 she won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award, Western Cape region. liesl@smile904.fm

Latest articles

Khayelitsha couple in court for murder of 7-year-old girl

  A Khayelitsha couple, accused of the murder of 7-year-old Lolitha Kowa from Kuyasa, has made their first court appearance.   It emerged in court that Lolitha...

WATCH: Suspected drunk taxi driver almost knocks down Traffic Officer

  A suspected drunk taxi driver appeared in court this week following his arrest on Tuesday afternoon, during an incident in which he nearly knocked...

Photo: Suspect sought in connection with string of robberies in Kleinvlei

  The Provincial Serious Violent Crime Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man wanted in connection with three robbery cases in...