South African Police Service members arrested three suspects and recovered five unlicensed firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, during an intelligence-driven operation targeting extortion-related crime in Hout Bay on Wednesday morning.
Acting on intelligence, members of the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team and the Counterfeit and Illicit Policing Team searched premises linked to individuals believed to be involved in extortion activities. During the searches, officers confiscated an AK-47 assault rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition, three 9mm pistols, a .38 Special revolver, and an assortment of ammunition.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 36, face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court once formally charged.
Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, praised the officers involved for their dedication and commitment to combating extortion and related crimes.