Three suspects have been arrested after City of Cape Town LEAP officers recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during a patrol in Crossroads, Nyanga, on Wednesday.
According to the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, officers were on patrol when members of the public alerted them to a suspicious Ford Ranger in the area.
The vehicle was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of four rifles, a 9mm pistol and more than 350 rounds of ammunition. Officers also found various vehicle registration plates and other suspicious electrical equipment inside the vehicle.
The three occupants were arrested at the scene.
The City’s Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) is assisting the South African Police Service in efforts to secure convictions and determine whether the weapons cache could be linked to other crimes.
Smith described the continued flow of illegal firearms onto the city’s streets as deeply concerning, particularly the presence of high-powered rifles.
He also expressed hope that the newly appointed Western Cape Police Commissioner would prioritise investigations aimed at identifying and dismantling the supply networks responsible for illegal firearms.
He also thanked members of the public whose tip-off led to the arrests, saying their actions may have prevented further violence and saved lives.
