Cape town: The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has announced that the Western Cape police have made significant progress in their efforts to combat gang-related activities in the region. The police’s persistent operations have resulted in the arrest of 722 gangsters and the seizure of 1,565 illegal firearms over the past seven months.

According to South African Police Service, the strategic deployment of more than 980 officers to various hotspots for gang activity has played a crucial role in these achievements. This force comprises 800 officers from both SAPS and the City of Cape Town, with an additional 182 officers from Head Office. These officers work alongside more than 9,000 personnel stationed at 62 police stations within the City of Cape Town precinct. Their collaboration has led to significant arrests in areas such as Mitchell’s Plain, Mfuleni, Delft, Bishop Lavis, Tafelsig, Muizenberg, Grassy Park, and Manenberg.

The primary focus of the arrests has been on individuals foun
d in possession of drugs, with a notable 54,947 suspects apprehended for this offense. Since April 2025, authorities have also made 2,296 arrests for drug dealing, 96 for gang-related murders, and 60 for gang-related attempted murders.

In addition to the arrests, the operations have led to the confiscation of 39,371 rounds of ammunition. General Masemola highlighted the deployment of 2,408 newly trained officers since 2021 to various units and stations across the Western Cape, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to prioritize and enhance law enforcement efforts in the province. He also acknowledged the vital role of community support and collaboration through Community Policing Forums and other safety structures in combating gang violence.