Cape Town police, City cops make significant arrests during Easter weekend crackdown on illegal firearms
Both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City of Cape Town's enforcement agencies have had a busy Easter weekend, seizing illegal firearms and also bringing criminals to book.
Arrests began before the long weekend started with police detaining four suspects on Thursday, whom they found in possession of a prohibited firearm, ammunition and drugs in separate incidents.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
SAPS spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the Gugulethu Crime Prevention Unit conducted compliance inspections at a spaza shop when they saw a man who changed direction when he saw the patrol vehicle and fled the scene.
'The police members gave chase, apprehended the man and found him in possession of a pistol with ammunition. The members expanded their search to the house of the suspect where they then searched the premises and in the process confiscated drugs and ammunition and arrested two women,' Swartbooi said.
The suspects, between the ages of 24 and 39, were arrested on charges of the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, the possession of drugs and the unlawful possession of ammunition.
Separately, Ravensmead police detained a 25-year-old man for dealing in drugs. Swartbooi said police responded to information of suspicious activities, and that a search ensued when they reached the house. The officers recovered marijuana and cash, believed to be the proceeds of selling marijuana .
'Once charged the suspects will make their respective court appearances in the Athlone and Goodwood Magistrates' courts on the mentioned charges.'
Philippi East police also detained a 21-year old-man who was found in possession of a pistol with ammunition without a valid licence on Saturday.
'The members were driving down Marcus Garvey when they noticed a man who appeared to be extremely nervous upon noticing the patrol vehicle. The members approached the man, searched him and recovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition, three magazines of which two are extended magazines. They detained the man for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition,' Swartbooi said.
Once charged, he is expected to make a court appearance in the Athlone Magistrates' Court. Police arrested four suspects on Thursday, 17 April 2025, whom they found in possession of a prohibited firearm, ammunition and drugs in separate incidents. The officers recovered marijuana and cash, believed to be the proceeds of selling marijuana .
Milnerton police responded to a shoplifting complaint on Saturday, where upon arrival, 'they interviewed and searched the suspect which resulted in the recovery of a pistol with ammunition found in their possession'. Swartbooi said they arrested the woman.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Maitland Flying Squad responded to information about the location of firearms in Kalksteenfontein and searched the premises.
'Their persistence was rewarded when they recovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition and in the process detained a 29-year-old man for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
'Once charged the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Cape Town and Bishop Lavis Magistrates' courts on the mentioned charges,' Swartbooi said.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, also praised the efforts of City enforcement agencies.
'On Saturday afternoon, our metro police officers were assisting Fire and Rescue in Philippi when they encountered a suspicious individual. After a brief chase, the suspect pulled out a firearm and pointed it at our officers. Thankfully, our officers took defensive action before the suspect opened fire, hitting him twice in the leg and bringing him down,' Smith said.
'A 9mm Norinco pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition was recovered, and the serial number had been removed in an attempt to hide its origin. The suspect was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition, and pointing a firearm. He was then escorted to a medical facility and placed under guard by SAPS.'
Smith further highlighted how in the past two weeks, a total of 22 firearms, with 11 seized by metro police and 11 by law enforcement, were recovered.
'On Friday alone, LEAP officers recovered a firearm in Hanover Park, and on Saturday, they responded to sounds of gunfire in Athwood Rd. After chasing after and apprehending three suspects, two were found to be carrying prohibited firearms and ammunition. A third firearm was later discovered abandoned in the area.'
Metro police spokesperson Ruth Solomons shared how metro police officers recovered two more firearms in Hanover Park on Saturday.
'Just after 11pm on Saturday night, officers were on patrol with Law Enforcement when they responded to a ShotSpotter alert in Hanover Park.
'On arrival at the location, they found three men and searched them – one, a 25-year-old – was in possession of a 9mm firearm with no serial number and four live rounds,' Solomons said.
'Earlier in the day at 4.15pm, officers were standing down at the scene of a fire when they saw a man walking towards the scene with a firearm tucked in his waistband.
'When the officers tried to stop him, he ran away. During the pursuit, the suspect pulled out the gun and took aim at the officers – one of them then fired a shot, wounding him in the leg,' Solomons said. Metro police spokesperson Ruth Solomons shared how metro police officers recovered two more firearms in Hanover Park on Saturday. Metro police spokesperson Ruth Solomons shared how metro police officers recovered two more firearms in Hanover Park on Saturday.
'The officers recovered a 9mm pistol without a serial number and 17 rounds of ammunition. Paramedics treated the suspect on the scene.
'He was arrested for pointing a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition and detained at Nyanga SAPS,' she said.
Smith added that all exhibits have been handed over to SAPS for further investigation and prosecution.
'We're working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Let's keep hoping towards a safer Cape Town.'
theolin.tembo@inl.co.za
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa calls high-level meeting with Shamilla Bathoi following allegations of NPA infiltration
Advocate Shamila Batohi is due to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa over her recent comments about the state of affairs at the NPA. Image: File A RECENT utterance by Advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, has resulted in her being summoned to a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Bathoi's suggestion that the National Prosecuting Authority, the entity that she heads, has been 'infiltrated' and that its integrity might be compromised as rogue prosecutors collude with criminal elements to undermine the authority's work, has resulted in Ramaphosa's reflex action. Her comments, last week has become a major talking point. Therefore, the meeting, which will be highly anticipated, especially since there has been widespread calls for Bathoi to step down based on the NPA's failings, especially in high-profile matters, is poised to be a pivotal moment in South Africa's legal landscape. In a series of candid interviews, Batohi expressed her concerns over what she described as significant breaches of conduct within the NPA, raising alarms about the independence of South Africa's judicial framework. 'The NDPP did make that statement and she later said she used the wrong word about the infiltration. I'm going to have a meeting with her so that she can really download and take off the chest some of the challenges,' Ramaphosa stated during a visit to Sefako Makgatho Primary School on Tuesday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Cyril Ramaphosa and chief prosecutor Shamila Batohi set to meet. Image: Jacques Naude/African News Agency/ANA The president acknowledged the importance of the meeting, where Batohi will have the opportunity to clarify the scope of her claims and discuss the implications for the NPA's integrity. Despite the unrest surrounding her statements, Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the progress the NPA has made, saying, 'The NPA has really done considerable work to stabilise itself as well as go on with various prosecutions.' He emphasised the need to recognise the challenges faced by the authority while avoiding an overarching narrative that dismisses its achievements. The NPA has faced mounting scrutiny for its handling of high-profile cases, particularly those linked to state capture and the contentious sexual assault trial of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. In light of Batohi's comments, criticism has intensified, prompting various political parties to voice their opinions on her future at the helm of the NPA. ActionSA has called for her resignation, labelling her leadership as ineffective in light of the NPA's shortcomings, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) has rallied behind her, vehemently opposing calls for her dismissal. In a robust response to her critics, Batohi has maintained her stance, asserting that she remains steadfast in her role and is not considering resignation. Her term as NDPP is set to expire in January 2026, a period during which she hopes to resolve both internal conflicts and external pressures affecting the NPA's operations.

IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
The enigma of Markus Jooste's death
There is still no vital information regarding the death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste. Image: Aemand Hough More than a year has passed since the mysterious death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, yet crucial details surrounding the incident remain elusive. A police source has revealed that vital information regarding his death is unaccounted for. Jooste, who was ordered to pay a R475 million fine for accounting fraud by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), allegedly shot himself after police notified him that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. It was reported that he succumbed to a gunshot wound at his Cape Town residence in Hermanus. However, questions surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unanswered. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The source said there is still no post-mortem and morgue number in the inquest docket and there is no proof of the weapon he allegedly used. The Western Cape police on Tuesday said these allegations were unfounded as a post-mortem had been conducted and the post-mortem report had been filed in the docket for court purposes. 'The investigation into the death of the late Mr Jooste had been concluded and the docket was submitted to the NPA to be placed on the court role where a formal inquest will be conducted. "The firearm used during the incident was subjected to ballistic tests and thereafter returned to the executor as the weapon was registered in the name of the deceased. A report of the ballistic test is filed in the docket for court purposes. The result of both reports will only be disclosed during the formal inquest hearing in court. The date is yet to be determined.' The FCSA said Jooste had played a role in the publishing of misleading financial statements about Steinhoff International Holdings. Fake transactions worth $6.5bn were made by Steinhoff executives in order to inflate profits, an audit by PwC found. Close to 98% of Steinhoff's share value was wiped out in 2017 when the accounting scandal first broke. Jooste resigned as chief executive but denied any knowledge of accounting fraud. He was also later fined for insider trading in 2020. Last week, a social justice movement, the Progressive Civics Congress (PCC) told IOL that the public deserves transparency and accountability over the scandal, adding that the silence from authorities raises suspicion. 'Jooste was involved in compromising the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) funds, amounting to R200 billion belonging to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)." "The Steinhoff scandal was a national issue, yet we have no answers about what happened to those pension funds. The public deserves transparency and accountability—and the silence from authorities raises suspicion.' The organisation further criticised the silence of labor unions, which traditionally advocate for workers' rights and oversight in such matters, saying their inaction may have contributed to the ongoing economic crisis, asserting that the loss of investment confidence and subsequent budget deficits have directly impacted ordinary citizens. Crime expert and violence monitor, Mary de Haas, also pointed out the broader issues of accountability and the integrity of investigations. She told IOL that provincial police commissioners have the authority to expedite inquiries but have seemingly done little to resolve the case or uncover the truth. 'Questions about whether Jooste truly died by suicide or was murdered remain unanswered,' de Haas said. 'The only way to find out is through the post-mortem report, but access to such crucial documents is often denied or delayed. Without it, we are left to speculate.' De Haas also highlighted the broader pattern of disappearances and unexplained deaths linked to political and financial scandals in South Africa, raising fears that some cases might be deliberately obscured to protect powerful interests. Cape Argus

IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
Why reporting crimes is crucial: Insights from a recent hijacking incident
A hijacked Toyota Hilux was recovered and returned to the owner. Image: Marshall Security Marshall Security urges residents and visitors to understand the importance of reporting crimes and opening formal cases with the police. This was after a hijacked Toyota Hilux was recovered and returned to the owner, who chose not to open a case with the police. Armed suspects hijacked the vehicle around 12pm on Boxwood Place in the Sea Cow Lake area on Monday. Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said the firm's Special Operations Team (SOT) was activated by Tracker SA at approximately 12.56pm to assist in locating the hijacked vehicle. Powell said the vehicle was recovered on the N2 South, near the Inanda Road off-ramp, following a coordinated response by Marshall Security's SOT, Greenwood Park SAPS, and Tracker SA ground team, and assisted by other private security. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Upon inspection, the vehicle was found still loaded with food and cold drink stock. It remains unclear if any goods were stolen during the hijacking,' Powell said. 'The vehicle owner opted not to open a case with the SAPS, and the vehicle was returned.' Powell added: 'Filing a report does more than secure justice — it enables law enforcement to gather accurate crime data, prosecute offenders, and prevent future incidents. Without a case, crimes go unrecorded, and patterns of criminal activity remain hidden. 'Opening a case ensures that suspects are held accountable and that crime prevention efforts can be properly directed to high-risk areas.' A suspect was arrested after he was caught driving a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga. Image: Marshall Security Meanwhile, a suspect was arrested for possessing a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga on Friday. Powell said that at approximately 7.15pm, the SOT received intelligence about a suspicious silver Toyota Cross circulating in the Gateway precinct. The SOT, Durban North SAPS and Excellerate Security members were deployed to find the vehicle. Officers observed a silver Toyota Cross on Twilight Drive at 9.15pm. Subsequently, they performed a safe stop of the vehicle on Twilight Road. 'A check of the registration plates showed they were registered to an SAPS provincial vehicle, yet the driver could not provide any police credentials,' Powell said. 'Durban North SAPS officers conducted a VIN scan that confirmed the car is positively listed in a Sydenham theft-of-motor-vehicle case opened on May 4, 2025, identifying it as a stolen Toyota Cross.' A suspect was arrested after he was caught driving a stolen Toyota Cross in uMhlanga. Image: Marshall Security The suspect and vehicle were taken to the Durban North police station for further questioning and processing. 'Friday's swift, intelligence-led response highlights the effective collaboration between Marshall Security, Durban North SAPS, and Excellerate Security in removing stolen vehicles — and those responsible — from our roads to keep the community safer,' added Powell. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old man found in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle was reportedly stolen on Theresa Road in Sydenham on May 4, 2025. 'He appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court on June 9, 2025,' Netshiunda said.