Cape Town – A 33-year-old alleged gang leader has been arrested in Ravensmead as part of a targeted police operation aimed at curbing violent crime in the Western Cape.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrest was carried out under Operation Lockdown III, a national initiative focused on dismantling gangs, drug networks and extortion rings, particularly in crime hotspots across the Cape Flats.
During the operation, officers confiscated five illegal firearms, including an R5 rifle, a shotgun and three pistols. More than 160 rounds of ammunition and several magazines were also seized.
Police said most of the recovered firearms had their serial numbers removed, raising concerns about their possible use in organised criminal activity.
The arrest followed intelligence-driven investigations, with the suspect allegedly directing officers to a hidden cache of weapons near a block of flats in Ravensmead.
Authorities confirmed that the seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they are linked to other violent crimes in the area.
“All seized firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes. The suspect is expected to appear before the Parow Magistrates’ Court soon, while investigations continue.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Parow Magistrates’ Court on charges related to the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.”
Police said the operation forms part of broader efforts to clamp down on gangsterism and restore safety in affected communities.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
