Firearm recovery rate raises red flags

17 November 2025

The City’s enforcement agencies recovered at least nine firearms in the last week … six of them in just 36 hours this past weekend. Read more below:

Law Enforcement officers recovered the following firearms on Saturday, 15 November:

• A revolver and three rounds of ammunition in Portlands, resulting in the arrest of a 19-year-old
  
• A 15-year-old arrested in Philippi East with a pistol and three rounds of ammunition
• A 9mm pistol in Hanover Park, and the arrest of a shooter, following a ShotSpotter alert
• A pistol and three rounds of ammunition in Brown's Farm, with the detention of a 24-year-old

Metro Police officers recovered two firearms in Hanover Park – one on Saturday, and one on Sunday morning, resulting in the arrest of a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old.

'These operational successes are a feather in the cap of our enforcement services, but it also highlights, time and again, the absolute dysfunction in the system. The number of firearms we're taking off our streets is simply not normal. And it feels like the supplies are replenished even faster than we're removing these from the hands of criminals. How is it that those tasked with investigating crime are unable to pinpoint and shut down these firearm supply lines, and holding to account those responsible?' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In general enforcement efforts over the past week, the City's enforcement agencies made 344 arrests.

Law Enforcement officers made 159 arrests and issued 11 846 notices for various by-law and traffic infringements.

Metro Police officers made 127 arrests, including 50 for driving under the influence.  

On the roads, the City's Traffic Services recorded 73 874 offences, impounded 217 public transport vehicles and executed 1 894 warrants of arrest.

They also arrested 58 suspects – 55 for driving under the influence of alcohol, one for reckless and negligent driving and two on other charges.  

The Public Emergency Communication Centre logged 1 442 incidents. The top categories of assistance required were for medical incidents, by-laws, traffic and 110 incidents of fire.

Emergency call-takers also dispatched assistance for 82 cases of assault, 53 incidents of domestic violence, and 58 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office