Reporter – Felicity Jooste
Cape Flats:- Vigilant members of the Mitchell’s Plain Crime Prevention Unit made a crucial breakthrough in their ongoing fight against gang-related shootings this weekend.
While conducting crime prevention patrols in Orpheus Street, Eastridge, on Saturday afternoon, officers noticed two men sprinting – each holding a firearm. The alert members immediately gave chase.
Following the suspects into a nearby premises, police searched the house and discovered a 9mm pistol with seven rounds of ammunition hidden in the ceiling. A further search led them to a bedroom, where they found one suspect hiding. Under the bed, officers uncovered another 9mm pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition.
Both suspects, aged 24 and 39, were arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police believe the swift action by the team may have prevented another potential shooting in the area.
Authorities have since commended the members for their vigilance and dedication in removing dangerous weapons from the community.
Community Response:
Residents in Eastridge have expressed relief and gratitude following the arrests.
“We hardly sleep at night because of the gunshots,” said a resident who asked not to be named. “It’s good to see the police taking strong action before someone else gets hurt.”
“Mitchell’s Plain is tired of losing our young people to gang violence,” said community activist Shireen Petersen. “These officers deserve recognition – every gun off the street is a life possibly saved.”
Others, however, called for continued police presence in hotspot areas, saying arrests alone won’t stop the problem.
“Tomorrow another two will pick up guns,” said Jerome Moses, a father of three. “We need follow-up operations, not just once-off raids.”
The #GunsOffTheStreets campaign continues to gain traction, as communities urge residents to report illegal firearms anonymously.
📞 Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app to report suspicious activity.
🔗 Read moreon SAPS.gov.za
