Domestic violence complaint in Lentegeur leads to major ammunition seizure

A domestic violence complaint in Lentegeur led to the seizure of more than 230 rounds of ammunition and the arrest of a 48-year-old man, as City of Cape Town enforcement agencies reported 417 arrests during weekly operations.

According to the City, Metro Police officers responded to a domestic violence complaint at a property in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, on Sunday, February 22. On arrival, officers were informed that firearms and ammunition were on the premises.

The City said one firearm and ammunition found at the address were licensed. A second firearm allegedly belonged to a deceased relative and had not been surrendered.

Officers confiscated more than 230 rounds of ammunition, including 87 rifle rounds, 109 9mm rounds and 33 revolver rounds. Two grenade casings and several empty 9mm casings were also recovered.

The K9 Unit and Bomb Squad were requested to assist, but officers withdrew from the scene after a crowd gathered outside the property and became riotous, according to the City.

A 48-year-old man was arrested and detained at Lentegeur South African Police Service (SAPS). The City said he faces charges relating to the alleged illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as contravening the Domestic Violence Act.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the incident highlighted challenges faced during enforcement operations.

“This incident once again highlights the challenge City enforcement agencies and SAPS face with ongoing public interference in enforcement operations. Communities cannot call for help and then turn on law enforcement by obstructing their work.

“Obstruction of justice is an arrestable offence. I urge communities to condemn the small minority who protect criminals and to use our tip-off number to help City enforcement remove these individuals from our streets,” he said.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Metro Police officers recovered another revolver in Ocean View. On Friday,  February 20, Neighbourhood Safety officers received information about an abandoned firearm frame in Observatory, which was booked in at Woodstock SAPS as abandoned.

The City’s Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers also confiscated five illegal firearms during the past week in Steenberg, Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park and Delft.

In broader enforcement operations, Metro Police made 127 arrests and issued 4 183 notices during the week, while Law Enforcement officers recorded 196 arrests and issued 12 958 notices. Traffic Services recorded 94 arrests, including 85 for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless or negligent driving and five for other offences. Officers recorded 72 313 traffic violations and impounded 217 public transport vehicles.

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 555 calls for assistance over the weekend, including 95 assault cases and 39 pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.

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Cape Argus