A member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been arrested after police uncovered a cache of firearms, ammunition and explosives at a property in Ravensmead.
The arrest comes at a time when residents on the Cape Flats have been promised SANDF support in combating gangsterism in the Western Cape.
Anti-Gang Unit raid
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) acted on a tip-off that the 51-year-old soldier was storing firearms and ammunition at his home in Delphi Street, Eureka Estate.
Officers raided the property at approximately 2:45am on Saturday. The suspect was not home at the time, but police continued searching the premises.
During the search, officers noticed concrete under a carpet in one of the rooms, with plastic protruding from it. Using a sledgehammer, they broke through the concrete and discovered a steel box buried beneath the floor.
Weapons and explosives discovered
Inside the sealed steel container, police found:
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Assorted blank cartridges
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7.62mm and 5.56mm rifle cartridges
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A 9mm imitation firearm (CSS Castra M22) with magazine
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A Beretta Z88 9mm pistol with magazine
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An AR15 pistol/rifle upper and lower assembly
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A scope and magnifier
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Two rifle magazines
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Nitrosellulose, a compound used in explosives
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A Claymore anti-personnel mine
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Two laptops (Lenovo and LG)
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A Huawei P9 cellphone
Shortly after the discovery, the suspect arrived at the property and identified himself as the homeowner. He was arrested and transported to the local police station.
Court appearance
The accused is expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
The case is being investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Detectives’ Firearms Investigation Unit.
The arrest raises serious questions about internal control measures and the illicit flow of weapons in gang-affected communities. When institutions meant to stabilise volatile areas become entangled in criminal investigations, public trust takes a complex hit — especially in regions already strained by organised crime and violence.
