WESTERN CAPE — Law enforcement officials from the Western Cape National Intervention Unit (NIU) have successfully executed a major firearms bust in Philippi, resulting in the recovery of three fully automatic assault rifles and the apprehension of two male suspects.
The tactical deployment of the NIU operatives was initially triggered by recent civil unrest in the neighboring Siqalo informal settlement. While conducting stabilization patrols along Jakes Gerwel Drive on Thursday, 25 June 2026, the police team identified a red Fiat Uno exhibiting suspicious behavior.
Officers closely tracked the vehicle’s movements until it came to a halt in front of a local shopping complex at approximately 12:15. Upon approaching the car, authorities discovered that the vehicle’s licence disc had been expired since 2023. This violation prompted a comprehensive search of the automobile.
Inside the boot, investigators uncovered a large white bag concealing the three fully automatic assault rifles. Consequently, the two men inside the car were immediately detained on the spot on charges of possessing prohibited firearms.
The arrested individuals, a 32-year-old and a 45-year-old male, remain in police custody. They are scheduled to make their first court appearance at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 26 June 2026.
