A multi-unit police operation led to a significant seizure on Wednesday, with the arrest of a 61-year-old man for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm in Manenberg.
The operation, conducted by the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit in collaboration with the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit, was launched after authorities received intelligence about an AK-47 assault rifle at a residence on Joseph Street.
According to officials, the team acted swiftly on the information. The tip-off was “immediately operationalized,” leading police to the identified premises. A subsequent search confirmed the intelligence, resulting in the discovery of an AK-47 assault rifle.
The suspect was placed under arrest after he failed to provide a lawful explanation for his possession of the weapon.
The 61-year-old is scheduled to make his first appearance before the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 03 October 2025, to face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm.
