Operation Shanela Continues recovering firearms

Vigilant members attached to Operation Shanela arrested two suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and drugs in separate incidents.

On Friday, 07 February 2025 at 16:30, members of Operation Shanela Lingelethu West Group arrested a 37 year old male at a premises in Klipspringer Street, Eastridge, Mitchells Plain for the possession of 80 mandrax tablets including the possession of an imitation (gas) firearm during an intelligence driven operation. The suspect will be charged for the possession of an imitation firearm the possession mandrax and will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates court on Monday, 10 February 2025 on the mentioned charges.

In an unrelated matter on the same date at 17:00, members of the same group arrested an adult male suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition. The members followed up on information of a suspect in possession of a firearm at a church in Malabeni Road E-Block, Khayelitsha. They found the male to be in possession of a black 9mm firearm, and two rounds of ammunition. The suspect was arrested and detained at Lingelethu West SAPS, he will appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates court once charged.

Meanwhile this morning Saturday, 08 February 2025, members attached to Ravensmead SAPS Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling in Eureka Estate where there has been several shooting incidents reported in the past weeks. They heard gunshots in the vicinity and went in the direction of where the gunshots were coming from. In Pan Crescent they saw two suspects running and gave chase and caught them in possession of firearms with serial numbers filed off and ammunition. The two suspects aged 16 and 22 were arrested for possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. The suspects are due to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates court on Monday, 10 February 2025 on the mentioned charges.

All the firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Western Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile has commended the members involved for their efforts in arresting the suspects and recovering of the firearms which could have been used to threaten rob or to execute people.