Vehicle Theft Syndicates and Drug Smuggling Targeted
Cape Town authorities have intensified efforts against crime, making significant breakthroughs in tackling vehicle theft syndicates and drug trafficking.
In a joint operation, the Western Cape SAPS pounced on premises in Khayelitsha and Makhaza, uncovering stolen vehicles and dismantled car parts. On Saturday, 15 March 2025, Makhaza SAPS hijacking team arrested two suspects, aged 18 and 31, who were caught stripping a stolen white Opel Astra. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Milnerton earlier this month. The suspects are set to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court.
Meanwhile, an integrated operation targeting illegal scrapyards led to the discovery of a stolen vehicle’s chassis and parts in an unregistered scrapyard on Kewuti Street. One of the vehicle numbers matched a car reported stolen in Mfuleni, belonging to a local transport company. No suspects were found on the scene, and an inquiry docket has been opened.
In a separate high-profile drug bust, a 33-year-old woman was arrested at Cape Town International Airport after arriving from Brazil with a stash of cocaine. Acting on intelligence received by the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), authorities searched her luggage and found drugs concealed in a sports bag. Further investigation revealed she had also swallowed an unknown number of drug pellets. She is currently in hospital for medical extraction of the narcotics and is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on 18 March 2025.
These operations highlight the ongoing crackdown on crime in the province, with law enforcement committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring justice.
