SAPS Anti-Gang Unit commended for arrests of three in Cape Flats shooting incidents

Community Policing Forums in the Western Cape have commended the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) for their successful arrest of suspects in connection with shooting incidents outside the Athlone court, where a person was killed, and another shot and wounded minutes later, not far from the court in Kew Town.

The SAPS’s AGU detectives led coordinated takedown operations on the Cape Flats, targeting Manenberg, Athlone, and Mitchell’s Plain on Saturday night until the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, said the arrests were part of ongoing investigations into shooting incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2025, believed to be related to gang fights. And the AGU detectives were armed with the arrest warrants.  

“The execution of the operation forms part of a comprehensive plan by the South African Police Service in the Western Cape to curb ongoing gang activity and restore order in communities that are plagued by gang violence within the City of Cape Town. 

“With other law enforcement agencies, the SAPS continues with targeted operations at identified hotspots where numerous illegal firearms have been confiscated, and arrests effected. Illegal firearms remain the weapon of choice in gang-related shootings occurring on the Cape Flats,” Potelwa said.

The arrested suspects, aged 28, 36, and 38, face attempted murder, murder, and possession of illegal firearms charges, as well as contravention of sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

Potelwa stated that with the investigations gaining momentum, additional charges could be added. 

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain and Athlone courts on Monday.

Abie Isaacs, chairperson of Cape Flats Safety Forum, said these operations mark an important step towards restoring authority and respect for the unit tasked with breaking the backbone of gangs and drug networks in our communities. 

“We further call for future operations to include the Department of Correctional Services, as an integrated approach is essential in tackling organised crime effectively. Continued coordinated action of this nature is critical to restoring safety and stability on the Cape Flats, Isaacs said.

Rafique Foflonker, spokesperson of the Western Cape Provincial CPF Board, said they are very pleased with the outcome.

“We commend the SAPS and the Anti-Gang Unit for executing those warrants and getting the work done. The community is also pleased with the outcome and hopes that those arrests will lead to successful convictions,” Foflonker said. 

He called on the rest of the justice system to come to the party and help ensure that the arrests are actually converted into successful convictions. 

gcwalisile.khanyile@inl.co.za