City of Cape Town employee arrested for threatening motorist with firearm
Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie commends community members for reporting unlawful activities and reinforces the commitment to public safety.
Image: Damaris Helwig
A City of Cape Town employee ended up behind bars after allegedly pointing a firearm at a motorist along Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Metro Police officers swooped in just after midday on Wednesday after the dramatic incident.
According to reports, after the incident near Bonteheuwel, the shaken motorist flagged officers and reported the man.
The officers were pointed to the man in a City-owned truck and found the alleged weapon and ammunition inside the vehicle.
Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Ruth Solomons said: “Just after midday, officers on patrol along Jakes Gerwel Drive near Bonteheuwel were approached by a motorist who reported that a truck driver had pointed a firearm at them.
“The motorist pointed out the truck, and officers then proceeded to stop the driver.
“They requested permission to conduct a search, and found a firearm with one round in the chamber, and two magazines containing 15 rounds of ammunition.”
The suspect was arrested and detained at Bishop Lavis police station, while the vehicle he was driving was taken to the Metro Police depot in Bonteheuwel for safekeeping.
Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie thanked the resident for speaking up and taking a stand and encouraged more residents to do the same.
McKenzie said: “Irrespective who you are or who you work for, if you break the law we will catch you, we will arrest you and it will be done with no fear and no favour. That is our approach on a daily basis in making Bonteheuwel and its surrounding areas safer.
Confiscated firearms and ammunition recovered during a separate incident in Khayelitsha, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal possession of weapons.
Image: Supplied
“The arrest of a City employee shows that we are committed wholeheartedly in fighting crime, listening to communities and ensuring we strengthen the partnership.”
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said: “The suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Friday 6 March 2026.”
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident in Nkanini, Khayelitsha, Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) received a tip-off about a male in possession of a firearm.
Solomons added: “Armed with a description of the suspect, officers set about finding him.
“They recovered a firearm and a magazine in a plastic bag and detained the 28-year-old Makhaza SAPS for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm.”