Operation Prosper, the joint deployment of forces to root out gang violence on the Cape Flats, has had significant successes this week, including the discovery of a hand grenade and several firearms.

This is how it happened.

Thursday, 22 April 2026

Freedom Farm, Delft: In the early hours of the morning members of Prosper recovered five firearms, two extended magazines, a large quantity of ammunition and an explosive device identified as an M26 hand grenade during an intelligence-led operation at the Freedom Farm informal settlement.

A 23-year-old suspect was first arrested after two 9mm firearms and ammunition were discovered at a premises.

Further investigation led to the discovery of two additional firearms, ammunition and the hand grenade buried at a burnt-out shack nearby, where a 35-year-old suspect was arrested.

The operation continued to nearby premises where another 9mm firearm and ammunition were discovered, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old man.

In another search, a 36-year-old man was arrested after tik was found concealed beneath a carpet in a shack.

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Khayelitsha: At approximately 14:30 in K-2 Temporals, Site B, the members discovered 24 clear plastic bags of tik. A 23-year-old man was arrested.

Hanover Park: A 43-year-old woman was arrested in Lynston Road, Hanover Park at around 15:20 after she was found in possession of one packet of cocaine, 25 bags of dagga and 20 dagga cigarettes.

Nyanga: A 39-year-old man was found in possession of 71 sachets of cocaine at around 17:00 in Sithandathu Street. He was arrested for dealing in drugs, assault on police, resisting arrest and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Voorbrug, Delft:  Two men were stopped at Akkerdaai Street, where a 32-year-old male suspect was found in possession of three sachets of tik, six Mandrax tablets and 2.8g of cocaine. A 37-year-old who was walking with the 32-year-old was found with the same amount of drugs in his possession.

Eindhoven, Delft: A further search in the area led to the arrest of a 54-year-old man who was found in possession of 10 sachets of cocaine in Atbo Street.

▪Operation Prosper was launched on 01 April 2026. It represents a coordinated and decisive response by law enforcement and defence structures to disrupt criminal activity, remove illegal firearms from circulation and reinforce a safer environment for residents.