Maitland Flying Squad Cracks Down: Weapons, Stolen Goods Seized in Cape Arrests

In an impressive operation demonstrating their commitment to curbing violent crimes, the diligent personnel of the Maitland Flying Squad in Western Cape have successfully detained three individuals under suspicion of illegal gun possession, ammunition, and stolen property across two unrelated incidents.

At the stroke of midnight on November 10, 2024, the squad, aiding a vehicle tracker company, located a VW T–Cross involved in a Makaza, Khayelitsha home robbery. Alongside gadgets like televisions and phones, an assortment of clothing and footwear was recovered from the vehicle. Under the driver’s seat lay an illicit firearm, leading to the apprehension of the individual at the wheel. Detained at the Makhaza SAPS, the accused now faces charges relating to owning presumed stolen goods and the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm. Makhaza SAPS has stored the evidence, and the vehicle awaits further inquiry at Stikland.

The second event, occurring in the early hours, involved the pursuit of an Izuzu LDV hijacked during a Kraaifontein home invasion where the homeowner was tragically shot. The vehicle was later found in Nyanga, where a confrontation and subsequent shootout occurred between the suspects and SAPS, resulting in two arrests. Unfortunately, one perpetrator escaped and remains at large. In the commotion, a suspect sustained injuries whilst both were found in possession of firearms. Nyanga SAPS is holding the duo, and they are prepped for a court appearance at the Khayelitsha and Athlone Magistrates’ courts scheduled for Monday, 11 November 2024.

With guns and a variety of stolen goods now in police custody, these incidents exhibit the determination of the Maitland Flying Squad to dismantle illegal firearms circulation and mitigate grave felonies in the Western Cape.

The police call upon anyone with information on the third suspect to come forward. It is community vigilance, combined with proactive law enforcement efforts, that creates a bulwark against the tide of violent crime. The community’s role in supporting the authorities cannot be overstated.