SANDF soldier caught with explosives and illegal firearms in Ravensmead
Seized firearms and explosives from a SANDF member's residence, highlighting the ongoing battle against gangsterism in the Western Cape.
Image: SAPS
While residents on the Cape Flats have finally been promised that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will come to their aid in the fight against gangsterism in the Western Cape, it could turn out to be a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’.
This after a member of the SANDF was arrested on Saturday for possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
The soldier, 51, was not at home when the Anti-Gang Unit raided the property, but when he arrived he identified himself as the homeowner.
Acting on a tip-off that the army man was storing guns and ammo at his house in Delphi Street, cops then found a steel box hidden under a carpet and sealed with concrete.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “Anti-Gang Unit members are hard at work to rid Western Cape communities of illegal firearms and ammunition.
“Their efforts were rewarded when they seized a steel box containing different calibre firearms, ammunition and explosives in Ravensmead.
“The AGU members arrested a 51-year-old male in connection with the discovery on Saturday at 2.45am.
“The members received information regarding a suspect from the South African Defence Force (SANDF) keeping firearms at his premises in Delphi Street, Eureka Estate.
“They went to the house and found the house empty. They continued searching the premises and in one room, under a carpet a member saw concrete with plastic sticking out.
“The members then broke the concrete with a sledge hammer after which were found a steel box buried in the ground.”
Captain Van Wyk stated, “Upon opening the steel box, members found inside the following: an assortment of blank cartridges, 7.62 and 5.65 rifle cartridges, a 9mm imitation firearm (csscastra m22) with one magazine and firearm storage box, a Beretta Z88 9mm pistol with magazine and firearm storage box, an AR15 pistol/rifle upper and lower part, a scope, a magnifier, a silver Lenovo laptop, two rifle magazines, a black LG laptop, a black Huawei P9 cellular phone, nitrosellulose (a compound used for explosives), and a Claymore anti-personnel mine.”
He added: “The suspect arrived home and identified himself as the owner of the house. He was then arrested for the possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives and transported to Ravensmead SAPS with the exhibits.
“The suspect will appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court today for the mentioned charge.
“The case docket is investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Detectives’ Firearms Investigations Unit.”