Seawinds residents' tip-off leads to police pursuit and five arrests
Five suspects were arrested and four firearms seized after a late-night pursuit and shootout with police in St Luke Close following a community tip-off. Two suspects were wounded and taken to hospital.
Image: Supplied
An anonymous tip-off from Seawinds residents has led to the arrest of five suspected gang members and the seizure of multiple firearms following a late-night police pursuit and shootout in Muizenberg.
According to the Muizenberg Community Policing Forum, SAPS Muizenberg received the tip-off shortly before 1am last Thursday about a white Nissan Almera moving through the Seawinds area.
Police officers, assisted by City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, spotted the vehicle in St Patrick Avenue. A chase followed through the area before the vehicle was brought to a stop in St Luke Close, Seawinds.
During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly opened fire on officers, who returned fire in line with operational procedures. One suspect fled on foot into a nearby informal settlement and remains at large.
Two suspects inside the vehicle sustained gunshot wounds and were taken under police guard to Groote Schuur Hospital, where they are being treated. They are expected to appear in court once formally charged.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of four firearms — including two prohibited firearms with their serial numbers filed off — as well as about 50 rounds of ammunition, illegal drugs and suspected stolen property.
Muizenberg CPF media liaison officer Wayne Turner said the arrests highlighted the importance of community cooperation. “Information from residents made it possible for police and law enforcement to act quickly and decisively in Seawinds,” he said.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said Law Enforcement officers had initially identified the vehicle as hijacked following information received from SAPS. “Our officers were fired upon during the pursuit but were not injured. This operation removed dangerous weapons and drugs from Seawinds streets,” Smith said.
No police or Law Enforcement officers were injured during the incident, and no damage to nearby homes or property was reported.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting criminal activity anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS mobile application.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus