Firearms and ammunition recovered in Retreat and Vrygrond
Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit officers conducted a series of successful operations on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, resulting in three arrests and the seizure of two unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and narcotics across multiple locations in the province.
The first breakthrough came at approximately 16:40 when unit members deployed in the Steenberg policing precinct acted on a tip-off about a weapon being kept at a property in Lucern Road, Lakeview, Retreat. The operation was prompted by persistent gang-related violence plaguing the area.
A 36-year-old man at the address cooperated with officers and revealed the hiding place of a .38 revolver along with 10 rounds of ammunition. He was taken into custody on charges of unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition, and is expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate's Court.
"Anti-Gang Unit members remain resolute in the fight against gangsterism in the Western Cape."
Shortly after, at around 17:00, intelligence led Anti-Gang Unit personnel stationed in Muizenberg to a residence in Xak'abantu, Vrygrond. During a search of the property, officers discovered 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition in the possession of a 23-year-old man. He was promptly arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition.
The unit's momentum continued at 18:30 when members moved to a dwelling in Drury Road, also in Vrygrond, where they uncovered seven mandrax tablets. A 21-year-old suspect was apprehended on a charge of drug possession. Both individuals detained in the Vrygrond operations are set to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court.
Gang-linked suspect nabbed in Stellenbosch
In a separate incident, Anti-Gang Unit members on patrol in Cloetsville, Stellenbosch, received information directing them to a house in Eike Street. A search of the premises yielded a small rusted brown firearm together with eight rounds of ammunition. A male suspect with known gang affiliations was arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is due to appear before the Stellenbosch Magistrate's Court.
The coordinated operations underscore the ongoing determination of law enforcement authorities to dismantle gang networks and remove illegal weapons from communities across the Western Cape. The recovery of two firearms and substantial quantities of ammunition in a single afternoon demonstrates the critical role that community intelligence plays in enabling police to act swiftly against those fuelling violence in affected neighbourhoods.
