CAPE TOWN – The operations by specialised South African Police Service (SAPS) units yielded several arrests as police intensified efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating in the crime-ridden areas.

On Friday, 14 August, members of the 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 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 allegedly in possession of 12 sachets of tik.

He was arrested for possession of drugs and detained at Mitchells Plain SAPS.

Meanwhile, an intelligence-driven operation by members of Operation Lockdown III on Thursday, 13 August, targeted a property in Bicycle Crescent, Beacon Valley.

Police uncovered a significant quantity of drugs, including 17 sachets of tik, 50 heroin straws, 15 mandrax tablets and four mandrax halves.

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

A 35-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs and detained at Mitchells Plain SAPS.

Police then turned their attention to Lentegeur, where information was received about a suspected local gang affiliate allegedly in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Members descended on a property in Hengelaar Street and conducted a search, recovering 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 a separate operation in Korfbal Street, Lentegeur, police acted on information that firearms and drugs were allegedly being stored at a property.

A search resulted in the recovery of another 9mm pistol and ammunition from a 26-year-old man.

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

The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they may have been used in other crimes.

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

The arrests and seizures form part of ongoing SAPS efforts to dismantle gang activity and remove illegal firearms and drugs from communities.

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