The Western Cape Anti Gang Unit made visible progress in its ongoing battle against gangsterism over the weekend, carrying out coordinated arrests across several Cape Flats communities. Acting on warrants of arrest, officers moved decisively through Manenberg, Athlone, and Mitchells Plain, targeting suspects linked to long running murder and attempted murder investigations.
The operations unfolded from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday morning, reflecting an intensified focus on high priority cases. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the arrests form part of broader investigations into violent shooting incidents dating back as far as 2017, as well as more recent attacks in 2025, underscoring the persistent nature of gang related violence in the province.
Gang Violence At The Centre Of Investigations
Police believe the shootings that prompted the arrests are directly linked to ongoing gang conflicts on the Cape Flats. These disputes continue to fuel cycles of retaliation, leaving communities trapped in fear and instability. According to the South African Police Service, the most recent incident occurred earlier this month in Athlone.
“The latest of the shooting incidents occurred outside the Athlone court on 3 December where a person was killed.”
This killing, carried out in close proximity to a key justice institution, heightened concerns about brazen criminal activity and the willingness of gangs to operate in public spaces.
Back To Back Shootings Shock Athlone
Moments after the fatal shooting outside Athlone Court, violence struck again nearby, highlighting the volatile conditions confronting residents and law enforcement alike. The proximity and timing of the attacks pointed to a calculated escalation rather than isolated criminal acts.
“Not far from the court in Kew Town another man was shot and wounded minutes later.”
Investigators believe these near simultaneous shootings were part of a broader gang conflict, reinforcing the urgency behind the weekend operations and the continued deployment of specialised units.
Suspects Face Serious Criminal Charges
The three suspects arrested during the operations are aged 28, 36, and 38, and now face a range of serious charges. These include murder, attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm, and contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Authorities have indicated that the legal process is still unfolding.
“The arrested suspects, aged 28, 36 and 38 face attempted murder, murder and possession of illegal firearm charges as well as contravention of sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. With the investigations gaining momentum, additional charges could be added.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain and Athlone courts on Monday, 29 December 2025, marking the next step in a case closely watched by affected communities.
Comprehensive Strategy To Restore Order
Police leadership emphasised that the arrests were not isolated successes but part of a sustained and comprehensive strategy aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability. The Anti Gang Unit continues to work alongside other law enforcement agencies to target known hotspots across the City of Cape Town.
“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.”
Officials confirmed that these operations have already resulted in the confiscation of numerous illegal firearms, which remain the primary weapons used in gang related shootings on the Cape Flats.
Reinforcements Strengthen Police Presence
The fight against gangsterism has recently received a significant boost with the deployment of additional personnel. SAPS confirmed that hundreds of newly trained constables have been placed on the ground to strengthen visibility, improve response times, and assist in tracing wanted suspects.
“A week ago SAPS boots on the ground deployments received much needed boost with the deployment of approximately 450 additional constables that completed their basic training at SAPS academies in November.”
The tracing of wanted suspects remains a core focus of these deployments, forming part of a broader effort to address the root causes and ongoing manifestations of gang violence.
Key Figures In The Latest Operation
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Suspects Arrested | 3 |
| Suspect Ages | 28, 36, 38 |
| Additional Constables Deployed | Approximately 450 |
| Latest Shooting Date | 3 December 2025 |
These figures illustrate both the scale of the challenge facing law enforcement and the resources being mobilised to confront it. Police have reiterated their commitment to sustained action against organised crime on the Cape Flats.
