Three arrested for illegal firearm possession in Makhaza

Three individuals have been arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in Makhaza, Cape Town.

Police confirmed that the arrests were made during a targeted operation conducted by the Makhaza Hijacking Team on Thursday afternoon in the NX informal settlement. The operation, aimed at cracking down on illegal firearms and crime in the area, led officers to a premises where the suspects were found.

Illegal Firearm and Stolen Property Discovered

Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie stated that officers conducted a thorough search of the premises, where they discovered an unlicensed 7.65 pistol along with ammunition.

“During the search of the premises, the members discovered an unlicensed 7.65 pistol with ammunition. The suspects, aged 23, 34, and 37, were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as the possession of suspected stolen property,” said Pojie.

The nature of the suspected stolen goods has not yet been disclosed, but authorities are investigating whether they are linked to any recent crimes in the area.

Crime in Makhaza Under the Spotlight

Makhaza, a township in Khayelitsha, has been plagued by high levels of violent crime, including hijackings, robberies, and illegal firearm-related incidents. The arrest of the three suspects is seen as a significant breakthrough in the police’s ongoing efforts to curb crime and make the area safer for residents.

Illegal firearms remain a major concern in many townships across South Africa, contributing to violent crimes, gang-related activities, and robberies. Law enforcement agencies continue to conduct raids and intelligence-driven operations to remove these dangerous weapons from communities.

Suspects to Appear in Court

Pojie confirmed that the three suspects would soon appear before the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court, where they will face charges related to possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and suspected stolen property.

The police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests, as investigations continue to determine whether the suspects are linked to any ongoing criminal cases, including hijackings and other firearm-related crimes in the region.

Authorities Urge Community to Report Crime

Following the arrests, authorities have called on Makhaza residents to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting illegal firearms, suspicious activities, and criminal behavior.

Community involvement plays a vital role in fighting crime, and residents are encouraged to use anonymous tip-off lines to provide information that could lead to further arrests.

“We urge the public to work with us to make our communities safer. Reporting illegal firearms and criminal activity can help prevent violent crimes and save lives,” Pojie added.

Crackdown on Illegal Firearms Continues

The Makhaza Hijacking Team, along with other law enforcement units, remains committed to dismantling criminal networks operating in the area.

In recent months, police have intensified efforts to recover illegal weapons, as part of the national strategy to reduce firearm-related crime.

The arrests in Makhaza form part of a larger effort by authorities to combat the illegal arms trade, which is often linked to violent crimes, gang activity, and organized crime in Cape Town’s townships.

What Happens Next?

• The three suspects will remain in custody until their first court appearance in Khayelitsha.
• Police will conduct ballistics tests on the seized firearm to check if it was used in any crimes.
• Investigations into the origin of the firearm and the suspected stolen property are ongoing.
• Authorities continue to urge residents to report crime and illegal firearms to help prevent further violence.

The arrests mark another step in the fight against crime in Makhaza, as police continue their efforts to make communities safer.