Police nab eight suspects in Bellville firearms bust

Western Cape police arrested eight suspects after confiscating a consignment of firearms from KwaZulu-Natal in a Bellville flat on Monday. 

Members of the Provincial Operational Coordination Combat Team conducted an intelligence-driven operation at the flat during the early morning hours. 

Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said several firearms were seized. 

“According to preliminary information, the firearms had been transported from KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town. During the search, the members seized six AK-47 rifles and eight 9mm pistols with ammunition. The suspects were unable to produce valid firearm licences or permits for the weapons,” Traut said. 

He said as a result, eight men were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. 

“(The suspects) are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court once they have been formally charged,” Traut said. 

Police management commended the members for their dedication and swift action, which led to the breakthrough. 

“The removal of these firearms from the streets has undoubtedly prevented them from being used in the commission of serious crimes, and this success highlights the commitment of SAPS to ensuring safer communities,” Traut said. 

Earlier this month, police discovered 19 firearms, 1500 assorted rounds of ammunition, three gun safes, 26 magazines, a stun grenade, a silencer, and a shooting practice target board in Lentegeur.

Police teams uncovered the arms cache in Oak Way, Weltevreden Estate, Lentegeur on September 1.

The firearms and ammunition were concealed in cooler boxes and safes in the house, said police spokesperson Novela Potelwa.