A coordinated police operation aimed at curbing the movement of illegal firearms, illicit goods and suspected stolen property into the Western Cape resulted in the arrest of five men and the seizure of firearms, ammunition and large amounts of cash on Friday.

The intelligence-driven operation was carried out by members of Garden Route and Central Karoo Crime Intelligence, the Central Karoo Flying Squad and K9 units along the N1 between Prince Albert and Paarl, reports the Oudtshoorn Courant.

According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spie police stopped a vehicle with three occupants near Prince Albert at approximately 16:00. 

“During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a 9mm pistol, an imitation firearm, 48 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and an undisclosed amount of cash. The items were confiscated and the three occupants were arrested,” said Spie.

Later that afternoon, at about 17:00, Breede River K9 members intercepted another vehicle at the entrance to Paarl. Police searched the vehicle and found an undisclosed amount of cash. The two occupants were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the money and were also arrested.

According to police, the suspects were travelling in two Toyota Starlet rental vehicles and are believed to have been en route from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town at the time of their arrest. Both vehicles were seized.

Investigators believe the cash may be linked to robberies committed earlier, and the circumstances surrounding the case form part of an ongoing investigation.

The five suspects, aged between 38 and 50, remain in police custody and are expected to appear in their respective courts once formally charged.

They currently face charges related to the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of suspected stolen property. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

Western Cape police management praised the members involved for their coordinated efforts that led to the arrests and the recovery of suspected stolen goods.

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