Anti-Gang Unit continues to rid the streets of illegal firearms

Continued efforts through the strategic deployment of members to address the root causes of crime in the Province, continue to reap rewards with the arrests of various suspects for the illegal possession of firearms which some have been linked to other crimes committed in the Province.

These intensified efforts followed the shooting in Manenberg in which a 13-year-old boy was shot and injured in Greatfish, a day ago on Wednesday, 19 April 2023. Yesterday morning (20 April 2023), Anti-Gang Unit members followed up on information that led them to a residence in McCrawl Street. Upon entering the premises, members spotted a female rushing to the back of the residence with an object in her hand which was later identified as a 9-mm CZ pistol with a fully loaded magazine with 15 rounds. The members in pursuit reached her just in time, before she could dispose of the firearm, and arrested her.

They confiscated the firearm and ammunition as evidence. This led to the subsequent arrest of the 34-year-old woman who now faces a charge of possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. The possibility that this firearm can be linked to the shooting of the 13-year-old, forms part of the investigation.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, these members were busy performing crime combatting patrols in Hanover Park when they heard gunfire in close proximity. They proceeded in the direction from where the shots were heard and meantime received information on the whereabouts of an active shooter close by. The information led members to premises in Lansry Walk where they accosted the suspect. They ensured a search of the dwelling and found a 9mm Browning pistol and one round of ammunition, presumably belonging to the suspect.

They arrested the 21-year-old suspect and detained him at Philippi SAPS and handed the firearm and ammunition in as evidence.

The suspects in above mentioned cases are expected to make their first court appearances in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court, once they had been charged with the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Provincial police management has lauded the members for their dedication to ridding our streets of the scourge of illicit firearms. These actions form part of the provincial crime combatting initiatives which are aligned with the provincial strategic objectives to safeguard communities in the province. These crime-combatting initiatives will be conducted on a regular and unannounced basis.