C.ape Town – The police’s Operation Lockdown III has led to the arrest of a suspected gang leader and the recovery of several guns with filed-off serial numbers.
Operation Lockdown III is a South African Police Service (SAPS) intervention to tackle drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes linked to gangsterism, particularly in the Cape Flats.
Commenting on the operation’s latest arrest, spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said police acted on information they had gathered about a person who allegedly “controlled the gang’s firearms”.
She said the police team proceeded to the identified address in Ravensmead, where the suspect led them to a cache of firearms and ammunition concealed near a block of flats.
“The team seized an R5 rifle, a shotgun, three pistols, more than 160 rounds of ammunition, and several magazines,” Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said.
“Four out of the five illegal firearms’ serial numbers were filed off.”
She said the suspect was arrested by members of Operation Lockdown III for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said the recovered guns will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in the commission of crimes.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Parow Magistrates’ Court soon, while investigations continue,” the spokesperson said.
