In a strategic intelligence-driven operation, police officers from the Provincial Unit and Mitchells Plain Detectives have arrested four notorious gang leaders, between the ages of 25 and 43.

The operation went down in the early hours of Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

Armed with intelligence and arrest warrants, police deployed across multiple sites within the city, tactically approaching targeted premises.

Upon arrival, officers were met with resistance and had to enter the properties forcibly.

A thorough search led to the seizure of devices, laptops, and a substantial amount of cash, that is suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activity.

The suspects are set to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple charges, including:

Murder, linked to incidents in Mitchells Plain on 26 April 2013, 5 March 2019, and 13 December 2020
Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, relating to an offence in Tafelsig in April 2020
Contravention of the Proceeds of Organised Crime Act (POCA)

Authorities have confirmed that further arrests are imminent, and additional murder charges may be added as investigations continue.

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Theft of police firearms and illegal possession ramp up gun violence

A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime revealed that 15 firearms mysteriously vanished from the SAPS evidence store at Mitchells Plain Police Station in November 2023.

The disappearance might have gone unnoticed if not for detectives who discovered that firearms sent for forensic testing had never arrived.

Upon requesting ballistics reports, they uncovered false entries in the firearm register, exposing the cover-up.

As a result, one police officer was suspended and faced criminal theft charges.

Authorities continue to investigate how these weapons went missing and whether they have fallen into criminal hands.

kim.kay@iol.co.za

IOL