Safety briefing in Mitchell’s Plain precedes report of 18 illegal firearms seized in Cape Town

Nine illegal firearms were confiscated in Mitchell’s Plain in under three days as part of a broader enforcement initiative targeting illegal weapons and ammunition across Cape Town.

Over the past three weeks, more than 18 illegal firearms have been seized from high‑risk communities. These include a rifle recovered near the scene of a mass shooting in Gugulethu, nine weapons taken in Mitchell’s Plain, and two pistols with ammunition secured by the SAPS Anti‑Gang Unit on Thursday July 10. The majority of the confiscations stretched over Beacon Valley, Tafelsig, Portlands, Lentegeur and Woodlands, ("Police launch manhunt following Gugulethu mass shooting" Vukani, July 1) .

Further seizures were recorded in Philippi East, Crossroads and Hanover Park, according to Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais.

“These successes demonstrate the dedication and bravery of our men and women in blue,” said MEC Marais. “Every firearm taken off the streets is potentially a life saved and a community made safer.”

Most Mitchell’s Plain confiscations followed tip‑offs from residents. The MEC commended these contributors and encouraged continued cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies.

The Plainsman attended a safety briefing on Wednesday July 9 in the Mitchell’s Plain SAPS boardroom after a recent surge of shootings, ("Mitchell's Plain grapples with gang violence: The devastating impact on families" Plainsman July 8). 

Police confirmed that hotspot areas now have vans posted at strategic points and that amplified deployments will remain for at least the next month.

Brigadier Brian Muller said many of the suspects involved in the recent shootings are believed to be from outside of Beacon Valley.

“This issue cannot be solved by paperwork; it requires decisive operational action,” he said. “The attacks are taking place in broad daylight while residents fear speaking up or being targeted by gangsters.”

The community raised concerns over police conduct, alleging some officers were failing to perform their duties. Police said that this is being investigated and stressed that unverified accusations should not overshadow ground‑level efforts.

Brigadier Muller said that crime trends are being tracked and that extra surveillance equipment will be rolled out to frontline teams.

Cadillac Street and Alpine Street were identified as persistent gang thoroughfares. Because their narrow lanes provide quick escape routes, the City and SAPS are examining whether selected passages could be closed or restricted in future operations to improve containment.

Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Eddie Andrews said while lane closures and similar measures might inconvenience residents, safety is the City’s top priority. Anyone objecting must submit reasons in writing, he said.

Officers also flagged tuck shops trading beyond permitted hours, some allegedly serving as hubs for drug sales.

Lentegeur Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Michael Jacobs urged the provincial government to steer a sustained, province‑wide safety strategy. “This area of collaboration is exciting and important,” he said.

Residents with information on illegal firearms can contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the City’s anonymous tip‑off line on 0800 110 077. All reports are treated confidentially.