In Major Crime-Fighting Operations – Weapons seized, wanted murder and attempted-murder suspects arrested as joint operations target violent crime.
CCN Reporter – George April
WESTERN CAPE: – Police have intensified efforts to combat violent crime across the Western Cape, with a series of operations in Kuils River, Hanover Park and Athlone resulting in multiple arrests, including suspects linked to serious violent crimes. 
The operations led to the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, the arrest of wanted suspects and the confiscation of drugs. Homemade rifle seized in Kuils River
Members of Kuils River SAPS acted on information about a firearm at premises in Vereenigde Street, Kalkfontein, on Wednesday evening. During a search, officers discovered a homemade rifle and one round of ammunition hidden under a mattress in a bedroom. An adult male was arrested for possession of a homemade firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Kuils River Magistrates’ Court once charged.
Revolver and wanted suspects arrested in Hanover Park
In a separate operation on Thursday, 8 October 2026, members of Operation Prosper conducted an intelligence-driven operation at Algoa Court in Hanover Park. An adult male was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of a .38 Special revolver and 16 rounds of ammunition. He faces charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Police also arrested two adult males wanted in connection with an attempted-murder case dating back to December 2025 in Hanover Park. The suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once charged. Nine suspects arrested in Athlone operation
A further joint operation was conducted in the Die Vlei area of Athlone on Friday, 9 October 2026, following recent attacks on police officials.
The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation Prosper Karabo, involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and City of Cape Town law-enforcement agencies.
Police used operational technology, including drones, Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) and facial-recognition systems, to assist in tracing wanted suspects and disrupting drug-related activities.
The operation resulted in nine arrests for various offences
Four men were arrested in connection with a recent attack on police officials. One man was arrested in connection with a double murder committed in August 2026 in the Athlone policing precinct. One suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and was subsequently linked to a murder case registered in November 2025.
Two suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs. One undocumented foreign national was arrested on drug-related charges. One suspect was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition.
Items confiscated during the operation included a 9mm pistol, a pistol magazine, 76 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 37 sachets of crystal methamphetamine (tik) and three Mandrax tablets.
Traffic enforcement yields further arrests
In a parallel traffic-enforcement operation, 15 suspects were arrested for contravening road-traffic regulations. Eight vehicles were impounded, while traffic fines totalling R739,020 were issued.
Western Cape SAPS management welcomed the cooperation between the participating law-enforcement agencies, emphasising that joint, intelligence-driven operations remain important in addressing violent crime, disrupting criminal networks and improving community safety. The suspects arrested in the Athlone operation are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once charged.
Police continue to emphasise the importance of coordinated law-enforcement efforts in removing illegal firearms from circulation and holding those suspected of serious offences accountable through the criminal justice system.
