Western Cape police members arrested several suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during #SaferFestiveSeason operations conducted over two days.
The operations focused on high-visibility policing in identified hotspot areas and included stop-and-search actions, searches for illegal firearms, the closure of illegal shebeens, and efforts to curb drug trafficking within the province.
On Friday, 26 December 2025, at about 07:05, Mitchells Plain members were following up on information received about a shooting incident that occurred in Daphne Street, Eastridge, Mitchells Plain. Witnesses on the scene identified the shooter who was responsible for firing his firearm on the premises and aiming at his girlfriend. No injuries were reported, but the suspect fled the scene. Information was received on the whereabouts of the suspect, and he was spotted in Jukskei Street, Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, hiding a firearm. The suspect was apprehended, and a 9mm Glock with the serial number removed, as well as nine rounds of ammunition, were found where he hid it. The 49-year-old male was detained at Mitchells Plain SAPS on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
Belhar SAPS members were conducting visible policing in the Belhar area when they received information about a person in possession of an illegal firearm at a premises in Tafelberg Street, Belhar. A 47-year-old male was arrested for possession of a 9mm Star pistol and six rounds of ammunition.
On Friday, 26 December 2025, at 04:30, a shooting incident occurred in Rotterdam Street, Avondale, Atlantis. Upon their arrival at the premises, SAPS members found the 36-year-old male victim fatally wounded. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the head, and a 9mm firearm with the serial number removed, with seven rounds of ammunition, was found in his possession. The firearm and ammunition will be forwarded to the Forensic Laboratory for further ballistics tests. The identity of the perpetrator is unknown, and the investigation continues.
On Thursday, 25 December 2025, the Malmesbury Crime Prevention Unit was conducting patrols when they responded to a shooting incident in Kalbaskraal between members of local gangs. The Malmesbury Crime Prevention Unit searched the gang member’s house and found him hidden under the bed and in possession of a zip gun and one round of ammunition. The 17-year-old was arrested for possession of a homemade firearm and possession of ammunition, including contravening his bail conditions.
On 25 December 2025, at 21:45, a search warrant was executed at a premises in Mossie Street, Wellington. An adult male was arrested for the unlawful possession of a silver .38 Special revolver without a serial number. The suspect was found to be in possession of twelve 7.65 rounds of ammunition and five .38 Special rounds of ammunition.
All suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Atlantis, Malmesbury, Wellington, and Bellville Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, 29 December 2025, for the mentioned charges.
#fightingcrime #GunsOffTheStreets
Western Cape police members arrested several suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during Safer Festive Season operations https://t.co/eu1jujXDQP#ArriveAlive #SaferFestiveSeason @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/dEnAdWNdgp
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 26, 2025
