Police arrest alleged gang leader in Ravensmead

Police have arrested an alleged gang leader in Ravensmead, Western Cape.

Officials also seized five illegal firearms and more than 160 rounds of ammunition in the bust.

The 33-year-old was apprehended by members attached to a national intervention targeting gang-related crime, including drug trafficking and extortion.

Police said they acted on intelligence, tracking the suspect to an address, where he allegedly led officers to a cache of weapons hidden near a block of flats.

The firearms will now undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other violent crimes.

Authorities said the suspect was found with an R5 rifle, a shotgun and three pistols -most of the firearms had the serial numbers filed off.

Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said, “The team proceeded to the identified address, where the suspect led them to a cache of firearms and ammunition concealed near a block of flats in Ravensmead.”

The suspect is expected to appear in the Parow Magistrates Court as investigations continue.

Authorities said operations like Lockdown Three are critical in disrupting gang activity, particularly in hotspot areas across the Cape Town metro.