Three days, seven firearms and eight arrests
22 September 2025
One of the suspects arrested on firearm-related charges this weekend is just 14 years old. This brings the total number of weapons confiscated by Metro Police and Law Enforcement in just three weeks of September, to more than 30.
Since 1 September, Law Enforcement officers confiscated 17 firearms, two imitation firearms and a zipgun, while Metro Police took 17 firearms off the streets, including one imitation and one zipgun and 121 rounds of ammunition.
‘That was only the first three weeks of September. Each firearm confiscated is potentially a life saved and a crime stopped before it could be executed. This is cold comfort for communities plagued by gun violence. Our officers keep taking these guns off the street, but the seemingly endless supply of weapons and ammunition to criminals, gangs and even children bears further scrutiny,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The minor was arrested on Saturday, 20 September, when Metro Police officers on patrol in Hanover Park spotted a male openly displaying an object.
On closer investigation, officers discovered it to be a prohibited firearm, which was loaded with a round of ammunition. The teenager was detained and handed over into the care of Philippi SAPS.
Other successes in recent days include:
- Two arrests and two firearms confiscated in Hanover Park on Friday, 19 September by Metro Police officers. The suspects were 21 and 42
- A firearm recovered by Law Enforcement in Athlone, also on Friday, resulting in the arrest of two men, aged 22 and 39
- On Sunday, 21 September, Metro Police officers arrested two men in Hanover Park and Belhar for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition
- On the same day, Law Enforcement officers arrested a suspect, also in Hanover Park, for the possession of an unlicensed firearm
In a concerning incident, LEAP officers came under attack in Valhalla Park when they were chasing a suspect in connection with a shooting yesterday. Community members became violent and threw stones towards the officers.
No one was injured but a vehicle was damaged.
‘Residents cannot call on us to do more to keep them safe and then protect the criminals. I call on communities to refrain from attacking the very people who are putting their lives on the line for them and to instead help us root out the criminals in our midst. We have to fight crime together,’ added Alderman Smith.
In general enforcement efforts over the past week:
- Law Enforcement officers arrested 103 suspects and issued 6 738 notices for various offences
- Metro Police officers arrested 103 suspects and issued 2 860 notices for traffic and by-law offences
- Traffic officers recorded 52 495 traffic violations and made 26 arrests – 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for reckless and negligent driving and three for other offences. Officers impounded 228 public transport vehicles and executed 1 583 warrants of arrest.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 87 incidents of assault; 29 incidents of domestic violence, and 42 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the PECC on 021 480 7700.
Caption 1: The firearm the 14-year-old was carrying.
Caption 2: Another firearm confiscated the past few days by City officers.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
