Police raids in Heideveld and Manenberg have yielded drugs, firearms and ammunition, resulting in the arrest of two men allegedly linked to gang activity.

Cape Town police arrested a 52-year-old man in Picos Walk, Manenberg today, after acting on information about an illegal firearm.

Const. Ndakhe Gwala, provincial police spokesperson, said officers searched the suspect’s home and found a 9mm pistol with its serial number removed, along with 15 rounds of ammunition.

“The suspect admitted that he is gang affiliated and he bought the firearm for protection against the rival group,” said Gwala.

In a separate incident, members of Operation Lockdown III searched a property in Sneeuberg Street, Heideveld, on Sunday 21 June, following up on intelligence about alleged gang activity.

During the search, officers recovered two digital scales, 48 mandrax tablets and 39 sachets of cocaine.

Gwala said a 40-year-old suspect voluntarily handed over a black bag containing 678 sachets of tik, 63.10 grams of tik crystals and 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Gwala added that further investigations led to the seizure of a 9mm pistol and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of drugs, possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once charged.

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