For Illegal Firearms, Drugs and Unlicensed Liquor Sales
CCN Reporter – George April
CAPE TOWN:- Police have arrested three people in separate incidents across the Western Cape for possession of prohibited and unlicensed firearms, drugs, and dealing in liquor without a licence, as part of ongoing efforts to combat gang violence, extortion and related crime.
On Monday, 12 October 2026, Public Order Police members conducting patrols in Kraaifontein spotted a suspicious man walking towards them in Daza Street at about 13:00. When the man saw the officers, he fled. Officers chased and apprehended him. A search of the sling bag he was carrying uncovered a 9mm pistol without a serial number, three mandrax tablets and two sachets of tik.
The 29-year-old man was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of drugs. He is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court once charged.
In an unrelated matter the same day, Operation Prosper members deployed in Lingelethu West, Khayelitsha, followed information about an illegal alcohol outlet. At about 14:00, they approached an address in TR 65 B Bongane Street, Site B, and confiscated a consignment of alcohol. A 23-year-old woman present at the premises could not produce a valid liquor licence and was arrested for dealing in liquor without a licence. She is expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court once charged.
A day earlier, on Sunday 11 October 2026, Operation Prosper members on routine patrol in Steenberg responded to information about a shooting in the area. At about 17:10 in Depsiton Street, Lavender Hill, they spotted two suspicious men running towards them. Officers stopped and detained the pair. One 16-year-old suspect appeared extremely nervous and was concealing something under his jacket. A search revealed a 9mm Pietro Beretta pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition.
The teenager was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. Further investigation established that the firearm had been reported stolen at Eldorado Park SAPS in June 2024. The suspect is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court once charged.
Police said the operations form part of continued efforts to fight gang violence, extortion and robberies, with a focus on removing illegal firearms from the streets and enforcing licensing laws.
