Several illegal guns taken off the streets by Western Cape cops

Police in the Western Cape have taken a number of illegal firearms and a quantity of ammunition off the streets following several incidents in the past 48 hours.

On Thursday, members of the Provincial Task Team recovered an unlicensed firearm and a quantity of ammunition in the possession of two young women – aged 17 and 18 – in Schaap Road, Philippi East. Both women were arrested.

Later that day, members of the Flying Squad took possession of two imitation firearms capable of firing blank rounds while they were following up on information about suspects stealing items from guest houses on the West Coast. Four people were arrested.

Guns recovered in Mitchells Plain

Also on Thursday, members of the Mitchells Plain Organised Crime Unit were conducting crime prevention duties when they received information about firearms being kept at a house in Juniper Street, Mitchells Plain.

When police searched the premises they discovered illegal firearms and several rounds of ammunition. In addition, they found a VW Polo that had been hijacked in the area.

On Thursday evening, police were investigating a double shooting in Lavender Hill when they went to a home believed to be occupied by suspects involved in the shooting. There they found two unlicensed pistols with 36 rounds of ammunition.

The weapons were seized, along with a quantity of drugs, and two people were arrested.

Firearms used by gang members

Early on Friday morning, members of the Anti-Gang Unit followed up on information about firearms that were being kept at two houses in Steenberg.

Upon arrival at the address, they searched both premises and found two unlicensed firearms and 38 rounds of ammunition. Two suspects affiliated to the Flakka gang were arrested.

“Police in the province remain committed to ridding the communities of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said.