A joint law enforcement operation targeting violent crime and drug-related activity in Athlone on Friday 9 October, ended with nine arrests during Operation Prosper Karabo.
The operation, conducted by the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, targeted criminal activity in an area known as Die Vlei in an effort to curb serious and violent crime following recent attacks on police officials.
Operational technology, including drones, Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) and facial recognition systems, was used to assist members in tracing wanted suspects and disrupting drug-related activities.
Four men were arrested in connection with a recent attack on police officials. One man was arrested in connection with a double murder in August 2026 in the Athlone policing precinct. One suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and was subsequently linked to a murder case registered in November 2025. Two suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, one of whom was an undocumented foreign national, and one suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition.
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Items confiscated during the operation include one 9mm pistol, one pistol magazine, 76 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 37 sachets of crystal methamphetamine (tik) and three mandrax tablets.
In a parallel traffic enforcement operation, 15 suspects were arrested for contravening road traffic regulations. Eight vehicles were impounded and traffic fines totalling R739 020 were issued.
Western Cape police management welcomed the strong cooperation between the participating law enforcement agencies, emphasising that joint, intelligence-driven operations remain critical in addressing violent crime, disrupting criminal networks and improving the safety of communities.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once they have been charged.
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