WESTERN CAPE – A major law enforcement operation in Bothasig has resulted in the seizure of seven firearms, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and an estimated R10 million in drugs. The bust occurred in the Richwood area of Bothasig, Western Cape, following a targeted intervention by Crime Intelligence officials against a suspected local gang storage facility.
On Sunday, 19 July 2026, at approximately 21:19, members attached to Crime Intelligence in the Western Cape arrested a 29-year-old male at a premises on Sylvia Street, De Zicht, Richwood. Acting on intelligence that the apartment was being used as a storage facility by a local gang, officers conducted surveillance and observed the suspect driving a white Mercedes-Benz. As the suspect attempted to leave the complex, law enforcement boxed in the vehicle and ordered him to exit.
Upon exiting the vehicle, the suspect was observed holding a black shopping bag overhead. A subsequent search revealed an unlicensed 9mm Tauris pistol in his possession. The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory account for the firearm and was found to be in possession of a key to the targeted apartment.
According to Crime Intelligence officials, as officers escorted the suspect to the apartment, he warned them that a significant number of forensic bags would be required. A thorough search of the premises validated this statement. Investigators discovered black bags containing plastic wrappers, with several bricks of cocaine wrapped in plastic lying on the dining room floor. Additional drugs packed in suitcases were located in various cupboards.
In the bathroom, a box resting on top of the washing machine contained two additional 9mm pistols and ecstasy tablets. The bedroom yielded four more firearms alongside 16 magazines containing rounds of ammunition. Further caches of drugs were also uncovered in the kitchen cupboards.
In total, the operation led to the confiscation of seven 9mm pistols, 17 different types of magazines, 1,030 assorted rounds of ammunition, and a substantial assortment of drugs with an estimated street value of R10 million.
The 29-year-old suspect was formally arrested and detained. Anti-Gang Unit detectives have taken over the case for further investigation, and the suspect is scheduled to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court once officially charged.
