A massive haul of illegal firearms and ammunition that could have fueled gang violence in Delft, Cape Town was confiscated by police just in the nick of time according to sources.
Officers from the Anti-Gang Unit received a tip-off and raided multiple locations on Spitfire Road and Afram Road on Friday, May 12, arresting 3 individuals and seizing a small arsenal.
At the first location on Spitfire Road, police confiscated a 9mm pistol and ammunition and arrested a 21-year-old man.
At an address on Afram Road, police found a 32-year-old man in possession of a .38 special revolver and ammunition, leading to his arrest.
Another search on Spitfire Road uncovered a crude zip gun with ammunition, resulting in the arrest of a 17-year-old girl.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi praised the team’s persistence in finding the illicit stashes and expressed relief that a major escalation of violence between the Gorilla and Bloodline gangs appears to have been averted “just in the nick of time”.
The 3 apprehended individuals now face charges of possession of prohibited/unlicensed firearms and ammunition and are expected to appear soon in the Bellville Magistrates Court.
The major firearms bust highlights the ongoing gang problem in Delft and Cape Town townships, with authorities saying more intelligence-driven operations targeting illegal weapons are needed to curb the violence.
