Western Cape SAPS Seizes Arms Cache in Mitchell’s Plain, SA Thrilled but Concerned Over Items Found
- Western Cape police discovered an arms cache in a residential home in Lentegeur, Mitchell's Plain
- Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, expressed concern about the discovery
- South Africans weighed in on the find, and while some praised the police, others speculated what the weapons were for
- Michael Jacobs, the Community Police Forum Chairperson of the Lentegeur Policing Precinct, spoke to Briefly News about the discovery
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Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE - The discovery of an arms cache in Lentegeur, Mitchell's Plain, has raised concerns about what the weapons and ammunition were going to be used for.
Police raided a residential home in the area on Monday night, 2 September 2025, discovering firearms, ammunition and gun safes. No arrests were made as the owner of the home was not present at the time of the raid.
What did police find?
During the raid at the home in Oak Way, Mitchell’s Plain, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) found 19 illegal firearms, 1,500 rounds of ammunition, three gun safes, 26 magazines, a stun grenade, and a silencer. The items were hidden in cooler boxes and safes.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, said that the cache is believed to be part of a bigger plan to perpetrate gang violence in the area.
"The find is believed to be part of an orchestrated plan to perpetuate gang violence that is currently afflicting several communities in Cape Town," said Patekile.
Patekile also confirmed that some of the firearms were reported as stolen.
"Of these 19 firearms found here, six are without serial numbers. 13 have serial numbers, and of that, only four have been reported as stolen so far," he said.
Police concerned by discovery of target board
Patekile said that they were also concerned by the discovery of a shooting practice target board with bullet holes in it.
"It's clear that the shooting target practice board had been used to practise shooting. 101 of the bullet holes were centred around the face and upper body of the board," he noted.
Patekile expressed concern at the placement of the bullet holes, saying that it showed that someone was practising shooting people in the head.
The firearms will now be sent for ballistic testing, while police were still determining what the stun grenade and silencer were going to be used for.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to Briefly News about the discovery, Michael Jacobs, the Community Police Forum Chairperson of the Lentegeur Policing Precinct, praised the police, while stating that he hoped it would lead to more.
"As the Lentegeur CPF, we want to commend SAPS on their intelligence-driven and integrated operation, which culminated in the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.
"At least several guns are off the streets, but we hope that further investigations will lead to arrests and successful prosecution," he said.
Discovery sparks varied reactions on social media
While some social media users praised the police, others expressed concern over the lack of arrests. Other South Africans speculated what the discovery meant.
Mpho Raphunga stated:
“Well done. But that's like a drop in the ocean.”
Mashiloane Lefa said:
“Keep up the good work, South African Police Service. This is the only way to stop gang violence in our country.”
Goodwill Goodwill noted:
“No gangsters will have shooting practice boards. There's more to it.”
Jasper Coetzee asked:
“Where do all these guns come from?”
Fikile Nozombile questioned:
“No arrests. Who is the owner of the house?”
Pieter Myburgh added:
“Yes, SAPS is doing well. The problem is the NPA. They can't even convict a person who pleads guilty😂.”
Gman Gierdien stated:
“This is how it's done. The narrative from the DA not to report crime to SAPS shows that it’s definitely perpetuated. More lockdowns, please.”
Quinton Mc Tavish asked:
“No arrests? Very strange.”
Other shootings in Mitchell's Plain
Briefly News reported that there have been several shootings in Mitchell's Plain in 2025.
- In June 2025, an e-hailing driver and two passengers were brutally murdered in a shooting in the area.
- The following month, two people were killed and one person was injured in another shooting in Mitchell’s Plain.
- On 25 August 2025, one man was shot dead outside the Mitchell's Plain Magistrate's Court and Police Station.
Source: Briefly News
