Three men arrested in connection with murder and attempted murder cases on the Cape Flats are set to appear in court today, as police continue their fight against gang violence in the area.

Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) detectives carried out late-night operations across Manenberg, Athlone, and Mitchell’s Plain over the weekend, targeting suspects linked to a string of gang-related shootings.

These incidents include cases dating as far back as 2017 and as recent as 3 December 2025, when a man was shot and killed outside the Athlone court, and minutes later another man was injured in nearby Kew Town.

Acting Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Tertuis Simmers, has welcomed the recent arrests, stressing that they send a strong message that gang violence will not be tolerated.

“The attacks at and around the Athlone Magistrate’s Court were brazen and showed a total disregard for human life. It is essential that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) respond quickly to all gang groups.”

 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa says the arrested men, aged 28, 36, and 38, face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). She added that more charges could follow as investigations continue.

“This operation is part of a wider effort by SAPS in the Western Cape to tackle gang violence and make our communities safer. Targeted operations at known gang hotspots have resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms, which remain the weapon of choice in gang-related shootings on the Cape Flats.”