WC police concerned at ongoing gang violence on Cape Flats

The Western Cape (WC) Police says it has implemneted a number of interventions to help curb the ongoing gang violence plaughing several communities, especially on the Cape Flats.

Provincial Police have raised concern at the ongoing feuds between rival groups on the gang front in Mitchell’s Plain, Bishop Lavis, Delft, Mfuleni and other identified precincts on the Cape Flats

According to police, at the heart of the murders, attempted murders and other aggravated crimes, are illegal firearms which authorities are targeting through various operational interventions.

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

“With the Cooperation Agreement between SAPS and the City of Cape Town gaining momentum, on the ground the integrated forces work hand in glove resulting in an improved crime picture.”

In one of their more recent successes, members from the Western Cape Police’s Flying Squad on Wednesaday followed crucial information that led them to the Maitland cemetery, where a burial service was underway and shots were fired.

Officers reportedly arrested three foreign nationals and seized seven illegal firearms. The suspects aged 32, 36 and 49 are due to appear in court in Cape Town on Friday for the illegal possession of firearms.

According to police, as the investigation continues, more charges could be added.

Provincial police added that the seven illegal firearms seized during the operations added to approximately 260 illegal firearms confiscated since January 2025 in targeted operations conducted throughout the Province.

wc police arrests extortionists in phillipi — This image is for illustrative purposes only.

Western Cape Police successes for 2025

Western Cape (WC) police have noted that their organised crime detectives have made 52 arrests since March of this year.

Of this, 37 were arrests from several takedown operations for charges ranging from intimidation to dealing in drugs, extortion, contravention of the firearms control act, attempted murder, murder and the contravention of sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

Additionally, specialist investigators helped secure thirteen life sentences for accused persons involved in murder cases. According to police, the unit’s detectives also ensured that gang bosses and runners are brought before courts facing serious charges.

WC Police successes achieved since the start of the year:

Arrests for Contact Crimes – over 16,000
Liquor – 10,925 litres
Drugs crystal Meth – 742 kilograms
Mandrax Tablets – 330 239
Heroin – 954 grams
Cannabis – 5 678 kilograms

For more effective crime-reduction operations, police says the vast Khayelitsha township with its four police stations namely, Makhaza, Lingelethu West, Harare and Khayelitsha Site B, has made significant inroads.

Khayelitsha’s crime-reduction interventions include:
Constant engagement of communities through street izimbizo and community members providing much-needed information on crime.
Efficient and effective neighbourhood watch system that enables active citizenry.
Early morning patrols targeting commuter routes to train stations, bus stops and taxi pick-up points.
‘Super’ Friday patrols with neighbourhood watch members.
Targeted arrest of Boko Haram splinter group members who were constantly fighting over territory ,resulting in multiple murders.
Consistent objection to bail for accused who are charged with serious crimes.

“Although we are not out of the woods yet, the current downward trajectory in the township is acknowledged. For that we thank all the integrated forces who contributed to the current picture.”