Manenberg gang war: six alleged gunmen behind bars

Six men have been arrested in Manenberg. file image

Six men have been arrested in Manenberg. file image

Published Dec 14, 2022

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After weeks of gang war in Manenberg, the police managed to arrest six suspects, tightening the grip on gunmen.

This comes after religious leaders called for peace and calm in the street earlier this week.

In the past weeks, seven people have been shot and wounded leaving one person dead.

Videos of the prayers ringing out of the street went viral on social media.

The war is between rival gangs, the Americans, Fancy Boys, Clever Kids and the Dixies.

Manenberg Police spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett said they managed to arrest six males who will be facing charges of the possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The arrests began earlier this week along the Downs and Sarbie Road.

They carried out the operation with the assistance of metro police and the Anti-Gang Unit.

“On Monday, December 12 six males aged 23 to 43 years old were arrested for the possession of firearms and ammunition in two separate unrelated incidents,” he said.

“The Manenberg SAPS Policing precinct continues to clamp down on gang violence with an integrated focus policing approach.

“At 5:30pm members of the Anti Gang Unit deployed within the precinct followed up on a complaint of shooting in the vicinity of The Downs and Sarbie Road Manenberg.

“As they patrolled they saw three males acting suspiciously, they stopped and searched the males and found a 7.62mm pistol with two rounds on the ground where they stood.

The three males aged 43, 36, 32 years old were arrested for the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.”

Bennett said during a second search later the evening more firearms and ammunition were confiscated.

“At 9.40pm City of Cape Town Metro Police deployed within the Manenberg Policing precinct as part of our successful integrated focus approach followed up information and conducted a search at an address in Manenberg Avenue,” he detailed.

“On searching the house they found a 9mm pistol and two rounds of ammunition, hidden in the wardrobe.

“The three males aged 40, 32, 23 were arrested for being in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.”

Manenberg Station Commander, Brigadier Sanele Zama said he was once again calling for calm and was grateful for the arrests which placed pressure on the gunmen.

“We commend the members for their tenacity and persistence in fighting what seems to be an uphill battle to bring calm to our community.

“We will continue to hold the grip and tighten even more to ensure the safety of our community.

“The six males will be charged and they will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court.”

Anyone with information regarding any illegal firearms and ammunition can contact Manenberg SAPS 0216999400 or crime stop 0860010111.

Weekend Argus