Premier Winde and Minister Marais commend Leap Officers on major firearms seizure in Nyanga

Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, have commended members of the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) for their swift action in seizing a significant cache of illegal firearms and ammunition in Nyanga.

The seizure followed a public tip-off to LEAP officers, who were on patrol in Crossroads, of a suspicious vehicle in the area. Officers intercepted the vehicle and discovered four rifles, a 9mm pistol, more than 350 rounds of ammunition, various vehicle registration plates, and other suspicious electronic equipment. 

Three suspects were arrested.

Premier Winde said, “By taking these weapons off of our streets, we are dealing a major blow to gangsters and their murderous reign of terror. While this is a success, these arrests must lead to lengthy convictions. I commend our LEAP officers - their dedication and bravery led to this seizure and arrests. Let us keep up the good work to make our province and residents safer.”

Minister Marais said the seizure demonstrates the critical value of proactive policing, strong partnerships with communities and the decisive role that LEAP officers continue to play in supporting SAPS in the fight against violent crime.

Minister Marais said, "I congratulate our LEAP officers on this outstanding operation. Their professionalism, vigilance and rapid response prevented a possible tragedy. Equally important, I want to thank the members of the public whose tip-off made this possible. Their willingness to work with law enforcement undoubtedly contributed to saving lives."

Minister Marais said there can be little doubt that, had these suspects not been intercepted, the recovered weapons could have been used to commit further acts of violence, including potential mass shootings.

"The endless flow of illegal firearms into our communities remains one of the greatest drivers of murder and gang violence in the Western Cape. The recovery of four high-powered rifles is particularly alarming and once again highlights the urgent need to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for supplying these weapons. We cannot continue to fight the symptoms while organised crime syndicates continue to replenish their arsenals," Minister Marais added.

Minister Marais reiterated the Western Cape Government's call for strengthened intelligence-led policing, improved information sharing between all law enforcement agencies and the expansion of intelligence and investigative powers to the Cape Town Metro Police.

Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw
Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Cell: 083 627 7246
Email: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za

Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za