Goodwood, 06 July 2024 – What started as a routine stop-and-search procedure by the Flying Squad last night led to the discovery of an extensive arms cache and a substantial quantity of drugs in Goodwood. The operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against gangsterism in the Western Cape.
Flying Squad members, noticing suspicious behavior, stopped a silver Ford double cab bakkie in Athlone. A search of the vehicle and its occupant, a 28-year-old driver, revealed an unlicensed 9mm firearm, drugs, and a large amount of cash. The driver was promptly arrested and, under interrogation, provided information that led SAPS to an apartment in the Bergzicht complex in Goodwood.
Upon searching the apartment, officers discovered 19 additional firearms of various calibers, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a shotgun, and other automatic and semi-automatic weapons. Also seized were drugs valued at R3 million. Authorities believe the apartment, leased in the suspect’s name, was not used as a residence but as a storage facility for the contraband.
The arrest and seizure represent a significant step forward in addressing gangsterism in the province. The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) TE Patekile, commended the officers for their vigilance and effective action. “Detectives assigned to the case will dig deeper to uncover more, as this could be the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests. The suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday in Athlone.