CAPE TOWN – Western Cape police have arrested five suspects in separate incidents involving illegal weapons and violent crimes over the New Year weekend, demonstrating continued efforts to combat crime in the province.
The most serious incident occurred on Thursday, 1 January 2026, when Steenberg Crime Prevention Unit members followed up on information about a suspicious Toyota Etios in Tango Crescent, Steenberg.
Sers. Wesley Twigg, police spokesperson stated when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, leading to a high-speed chase during which one of the occupants fired shots at pursuing police officers. The chase ended in Joe Marks Boulevard after the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Firearm recovered in gang violence operation
Two suspects, aged 34 and 43, were arrested at the scene. A search of the vehicle revealed a 9mm pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition.
The pair face charges for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, attempted murder, and reckless and negligent driving. They will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 5 January 2026.
In a separate incident on Friday, 2 January 2026, Operation Lockdown III members conducting crime prevention duties in Vyeboom Street, Bonteheuwel, spotted an unknown male holding a firearm.
“When he saw the police vehicle he started to run. The members gave chase but the suspect threw the firearm on the ground in an attempt to evade arrest,” said Twigg.
Officers recovered a 9mm pistol with eight rounds of ammunition and later arrested the 28-year-old suspect at an address in Vlamboom Street.
Operation Lockdown III officers also intervened in Erica Square, Belhar, when they witnessed a 37-year-old male chasing a security guard with a knife. The suspect was immediately arrested and faces charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and intimidation.
Court appearances scheduled
Both the Bonteheuwel firearm suspect and the Belhar knife attack suspect will appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
These arrests highlight the ongoing success of Operation Lockdown III in removing illegal weapons from Western Cape communities and combating gang violence in the region.
