Law enforcement agencies across Cape Town and the Western Cape have intensified operations against crime, resulting in a sharp rise in arrests and the seizure of numerous illegal firearms, drugs and counterfeit goods.
In the past week alone, the City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies made 338 arrests, up from 241 the previous week, while recovering at least five illegal firearms hidden in wheelie bins and buried beneath informal structures.
Firearms recovered in District Six and Hanover Park
The most recent firearm seizure took place on Sunday 11 January, after Freeway Management System camera operators alerted metro police officers to a suspected firearm being concealed behind an informal structure in District Six.
Although an initial search yielded no results, officers, assisted by a Saps K9 unit, recovered a .38 special revolver and four rounds of live ammunition buried underneath the structure. Six suspects were arrested.
On Saturday, LEAP officers recovered two firearms in Hanover Park. During a response to a shooting at 08:32, officers found a 9mm pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition discarded inside a wheelie bin. Later that evening, officers arrested a 41-year-old man who was found in possession of a revolver and live ammunition following reports of shots fired.
Minister praises festive season policing efforts
Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has congratulated law enforcement agencies for sustained and intelligence-driven policing over the festive season, which she said delivered significant blows to organised crime, gangsterism and the criminal economy.
From the start of December 2025, more than 80 illegal firearms and various calibres of ammunition were seized during targeted operations across the province. LEAP officers alone confiscated at least 15 illegal firearms during this period.
“Each illegal firearm taken out of circulation represents at least one potential life saved, and these seizures undoubtedly prevented countless acts of violence,” Marais said.
Call for stronger policing in 2026
While praising enforcement successes, Marais urged law enforcement agencies to intensify operations in 2026 through consistent, intelligence-led policing.
“We need to see stronger and more decisive policing this year. The Western Cape Government will continue applying pressure on SAPS to fill vacancies, resource priority precincts and drive priority crime operations to see more arrests, convictions and tougher sentences,” she said.
Marais also highlighted the crucial role of communities in crime prevention, noting that information shared by residents has saved lives and made neighbourhoods safer.
Drugs and illicit goods seized
In addition to firearm recoveries, police intensified efforts against the criminal economy during December. Illicit goods valued at R90 000 were confiscated in the Boland District on 2 December, while a major operation in Bellville on 16 December resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods estimated at R115 million.
The drug trade also suffered setbacks, with drugs valued at R3.6 million seized in George during December 2025, and a further R740 000 worth of drugs confiscated in Maitland on 3 January 2026.
Marais further welcomed the successful conviction of two drug dealers found in possession of methamphetamine worth an estimated R260 000. The offenders were sentenced to 15 and 20 years’ imprisonment respectively.
City-wide enforcement and emergency response
During the past week, metro police officers made 97 arrests, including 51 for drug possession, and issued 2 881 fines. Law enforcement officers made 208 arrests and issued 10 786 notices.
Traffic officers recorded 35 954 offences, impounded 105 public transport vehicles and executed 1 138 warrants of arrest. A total of 33 arrests were made on the roads, including 23 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre received 1 562 calls for assistance over the weekend, including medical emergencies, assaults, accidents, noise complaints and reports of domestic violence.
Public urged to report crime
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting criminal activity through the following channels:
- Saps Crime Stop: 08600 10111;
- MySAPS App;
- City of Cape Town Tip-Off Line: 0800 110 077;
- Public Emergency Communication Centre: 021 480 7700.
“Rooting out crime is everyone’s responsibility. When law enforcement and communities work together, we can build safer communities for all,” Marais said.
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