In concerted efforts to deal with criminality, Malmesbury police followed up information in the area which led them to a locked-up warehouse in an industrial area in Malmesbury on the West Coast on Thursday evening 16 February 2023, where they uncovered an arms cache comprising rifles, 9mm pistols, an assortment of rounds of ammunition and other heavy weapon artillery.
A 62-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested.
After spending two days scouring the scene, the police contingent comprising crime scene experts, organised crime and Hawks detectives, firearms and explosives experts as well as local police, the following was accounted for and booked in as part of evidence:
44 Firearms (comprising nine rifles, handguns, a cannon and pistols).
11 Firearm parts (considered firearms in terms of the Firearms Control Act).
Two full LDV loads of an assortment of rounds of ammunition.
Substantial quantities of gunpowder.
Numerous boxes used for storage of firearm magazines.
The suspect, a naturalised South African of German descent was charged for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and in terms of aspects of the Firearms Control Act.
He resides in the Tierfontein area and is expected to appear in court in the Malmesbury Magistrates court on Monday 20 February 2023.
As the investigation continues, the possibility of further arrest effected cannot be ruled out.
The origin of the firearms, ammunition and gunpowder is the subject of the police investigation with investigators setting their sights on other premises in the vicinity.
Western Cape police management has lauded the efforts of Malmesbury police in getting to the root causes of crime.
“With communities plagued by incidence of gun violence, it is envisaged that through investigations that are currently underway some explanations will emerge as police strive to create safer communities”, says Western Cape provincial commissioner, Lt General Thembisile Patekile.
