Blue Downs Cluster seizes seven firearms and arrests several suspects

Weekend operations targeting serious and violent crimes within various station precincts in the Blue Downs Cluster have yielded much success with the confiscation of seven firearms, an assortment of ammunition, drugs and army uniform.

On Friday evening in Extension 13 in Belhar crime prevention unit members reacted to gunshots in the area. Upon seeing the police, the suspects started running. Police gave chase and apprehended the two males aged 18 and 19 who threw the unlicensed firearms, a .38 special revolver and a 9mm pistol over rooftops when they realised police were catching up on them. It is alleged the suspects had gone to attack rival gang members in the area. They will appear in court on Monday in Bellville.

Meanwhile on Saturday evening, members of the same crime prevention unit on patrol in the area followed sounds of gunshots and were directed by the community to where they cornered two suspects with two 9mm pistols. They arrested the suspects aged 17 and 25 for illegal possession of firearms. They are believed to be members of a local gang.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Khombinkosi Jula has acknowledged all weekend operations executed by police. “With all these arrests, so many lives have been sparred”, says Lt General Jula.