SAPS seize firearms, ammunition and drugs in Western Cape operations

South African Police Service (SAPS) members have removed several firearms, ammunition and drugs from the streets of the Western Cape during operations targeting gang violence and drug-related crime.

The latest successes were recorded in Beacon Valley and Lentegeur, where police conducted intelligence-driven operations between Thursday and Friday.

On Friday, 14 August 2026, members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit deployed in Beacon Valley followed up on information that led them to a property in Swemmer Street.

A 7.65mm pistol and five rounds of ammunition were found abandoned and confiscated. A case docket was opened at Mitchells Plain SAPS for further investigation.

During a separate search at a property in Tennis Crescent, Beacon Valley, police found a 47-year-old man in possession of 12 sachets containing tik. He was arrested for possession of drugs and detained at Mitchells Plain SAPS.

Meanwhile, an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of Operation Lockdown III on Thursday, 13 August, resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old woman in Bicycle Crescent, Beacon Valley.

Police searched the identified premises after receiving information about alleged drug dealing and discovered 17 tik sachets, 50 heroin straws, 15 mandrax tablets and four half mandrax tablets.

The drugs have an estimated street value of R2,603, while an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also recovered.

The woman was arrested and detained at Mitchells Plain SAPS.

Two more arrested in Lentegeur

On the same day, police followed up on information about a suspected gang-affiliated man allegedly in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Hengelaar Street, Lentegeur.

A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a 9mm pistol and one blank round.

A 32-year-old man was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition after he failed to produce a firearm licence or permit.

In another operation, police acted on information about firearms and drugs allegedly being stored at a property in Korfbal Street, Lentegeur.

A search resulted in the discovery of a 9mm pistol and ammunition in the possession of a 26-year-old man.

He was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Police said the recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they may have been used in other crimes.

The suspects are expected to appear separately in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 August 2026, to face the respective charges.

The arrests form part of ongoing SAPS efforts to disrupt gang activity, illegal firearms and drug dealing in crime-affected communities across the Western Cape.