Cape Town’s enforcement agencies say arrests jumped sharply in the past week as officers pushed harder against illegal firearms and violent crime hotspots. The City reported 338 arrests in the latest reporting period, up from 241 the week before. At least five firearms were also recovered.

Guns Found in Wheelie Bins and Under Structures

Some of the most worrying recoveries came from weapons hidden in plain sight. In District Six, officers were tipped off on January 11 after Freeway Management System camera operators flagged suspicious behaviour behind an informal structure. A search initially turned up nothing but with help from a SAPS K9 unit, Metro Police uncovered a .38 special revolver and four rounds of live ammunition hidden beneath the structure. Six suspects were arrested.

In Hanover Park, LEAP officers dealt with two shooting-related incidents on Saturday. During morning canvassing around 8:32am, officers found a 9mm pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition dumped in a wheelie bin. Later that evening, officers responding to reports of shots fired arrested a 41-year-old man who allegedly had a revolver and live rounds.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said every firearm taken off the street can prevent multiple crimes and save lives, while calling for stronger action against the supply lines feeding illegal guns into communities.

Kraaifontein Raids Add Pressure on Suspected Networks

In Kraaifontein, police operations also turned up arrests linked to firearms, drugs and weapons. During Operation Lockdown III on Sunday, officers arrested five suspects, including a 24-year-old found with a handgun and ammunition during a search. Other arrests included drug-related charges after officers allegedly found tik, Mandrax and cocaine, as well as a suspect found with an okapi knife. Police said the suspects appeared in the Kuils River Magistrates’ Court on Monday.