Reporter -George April
Wynberg:- In a coordinated joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement officials, seven suspects were arrested today.
It following intelligence, about an alleged planned attack outside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
Integrated police teams acted swiftly on the information and identified a suspicious vehicle near the court precinct. Officers descended on the vehicle in time, where they arrested seven suspects aged between 18 and 64 years.
During the operation, police seized three illegal firearms and approximately 60 rounds of ammunition. The suspects are believed to have been planning a targeted attack linked to gang-related violence, with an innocent court witness reportedly identified as the intended target.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 17 December, facing charges related to the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Western Cape SAPS management has commended the members involved, praising the proactive and intelligence-driven response by both SAPS and City of Cape Town law enforcement. Authorities confirmed that the operation likely saved lives and prevented what could have been another deadly gang-related shooting outside a court of law.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commending the decisive action taken by law enforcement:
Mokgethi Clive Malumise said, “An innocent witness was planned to be eliminated by the perpetrators before or after court proceedings. Well done to the police for acting in time. This is what policing is supposed to look like.”
Solly Palare added,“Keep doing the job. Some of us are proud of you.”
The successful operation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-led policing in protecting the justice system, court officials, witnesses and the public.
