Anti-Gang Unit arrests three suspects linked to Cape Flats shooting incidents

THE SAPS Anti-Gang Unit’s (AGU) successful arrest of suspects in connection with shooting incidents on the Cape Flats has been welcomed as an important step towards restoring authority and respect for the unit tasked with breaking the backbone of gang networks in communities.

The latest of the shooting incidents occurred outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on December 3 where one person was killed. Another person was shot and wounded minutes later, not far away in Kew Town.

The SAPS’s AGU detectives led coordinated takedown operations on the Cape Flats, targeting Manenberg, Athlone, and Mitchell’s Plain on Saturday night until the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said the arrests were part of ongoing investigations into shooting incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2025, believed to be related to gang fights. The AGU detectives were in possession of arrest warrants.  

“The execution of the operation forms part of a comprehensive plan by the South African Police Service in the Western Cape to curb ongoing gang activity and restore order in communities that are plagued by gang violence within the City of Cape Town. 

“With other law enforcement agencies, the SAPS continues with targeted operations at identified hotspots where numerous illegal firearms have been confiscated, and arrests effected. Illegal firearms remain the weapon of choice in gang-related shootings occurring on the Cape Flats,” Potelwa said.

The arrested suspects, aged 28, 36, and 38, face attempted murder, murder, and possession of illegal firearms charges, as well as contravention of sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

Potelwa stated that with the investigations gaining momentum, additional charges could be added. 

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain and Athlone courts on Monday.

Abie Isaacs, chairperson of Cape Flats Safety Forum, said these operations mark an important step towards restoring authority and respect for the unit.

“We further call for future operations to include the Department of Correctional Services, as an integrated approach is essential in tackling organised crime effectively. Continued coordinated action of this nature is critical to restoring safety and stability on the Cape Flats”, Isaacs said.

Rafique Foflonker, spokesperson of the Western Cape Provincial CPF Board, said: “We commend the SAPS and the Anti-Gang Unit for executing those warrants and getting the work done. The community is also pleased with the outcome and hopes that those arrests will lead to successful convictions.”

Cape Times