CRIME SCENE: Manenberg, Cape Town: Chaos erupted near a local government voting station on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 when police became embroiled in a shootout with a wanted gangster.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS), Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) members strategically deployed in Manenberg to ensure safety of communities during the local government elections, spotted a notorious wanted gang member.

“As soon as he spotted the AGU members, he started shooting at them. They returned fire and arrested the suspect, aged 32-years. He was found in possession of a firearm with an extended magazine and 32 rounds of ammunition.

“No one was wounded during the shooting incident that occurred approximately 150 metres away from a voting station in Ruimte Road, Manenberg,” said SAPS.

The suspect is expected to appear in court on charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Western Cape SAPS management has hailed the vigilance and prompt operational response of Anti-Gang Unit members that resulted in the arrest of a wanted gangster.