On Tuesday, 16 June 2026, law enforcement officers attached to Operation Lockdown III confiscated drugs, an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition during two separate operations.
At 13:00, acting on intelligence regarding drug activity, officers searched a premises on Ryburg Road in Hanover Park. During the operation, a 41-year-old man was searched and found to be in possession of 80 Mandrax tablets. The drugs were seized as evidence, and the suspect was detained at the Philippi SAPS.
At approximately 14:30, while patrolling Robert Sobukwe Road in Valhalla Park, officers observed a taxi pull to the side of the road. The driver fled the scene on foot. A 42-year-old male passenger then exited the vehicle and ran toward an open field upon spotting the police. Officers pursued and apprehended the suspect.
A search of the 42-year-old man revealed a 9mm pistol, two rounds of ammunition, three sachets of tik, and a handbag. A woman found inside the taxi informed officers that the suspect had robbed her at gunpoint and that the recovered handbag was her property. The man was arrested on charges of robbery with a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, and possession of drugs.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear before the Wynberg and Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Courts on Friday, 19 June 2026, to face their respective charges.