Police in Mfuleni uncover hunting rifle and nab drug dealer in busy week

An intelligence-driven operation by police in Mfuleni has led to the discovery of a hunting rifle and ammunition in an informal dwelling, while a separate operation in Athlone resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug dealer.

Western Cape police spokesperson Frederick C. van Wyk said members attached to Operation Lockdown III and Crime Intelligence followed up on information about firearms allegedly being stored at a premises in the Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni.

“An intelligence driven operation conducted by members attached to Operation Lockdown III and Crime Intelligence led to the discovery of a hunting rifle and one round of ammunition,” said Captain van Wyk.

He said officers searched the informal dwelling and found the firearm and ammunition inside the shack. An enquiry was registered and the rifle was handed in as an exhibit for further processing.

No arrests had been made at the time of the statement, and investigations are continuing.

In an unrelated matter, Public Order Police members deployed under Operation Shanela II arrested a 26-year-old man for alleged possession of drugs in Athlone.

“On 2026-02-23 at 14:30 the members were patrolling Athlone SAPS precinct when they received information of a person selling drugs at a premises in Newtown Block 26,” said Captain van Wyk.

He said officers operationalised the information and searched the premises, where the suspect was allegedly found in possession of 60 packets of tik, 15 mandrax tablets, one big sachet containing cocaine and two small sachets of cocaine.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once formally charged. Police investigations in both matters are ongoing.

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Cape Argus