SAPS
Fake weapon among those seized
Raids deliver guns
CRIME SCENE: Bonteheuwel, Cape Town. – Public Order Police confiscated two firearms in Bonteheuwel on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
The team received information about firearms hidden at different addresses in Bonteheuwel. At around 02:30, they conducted a search at the first house in Turksvy Street, where they found a 9mm pistol with six rounds of ammunition. They arrested a 23-year-old an alleged gangster for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
At the second house, in Terblans Street, the police seized a firearm with six rounds of ammunition. A 26-year-old alleged gangster was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
CRIME SCENE: Valhalla Park, Cape Town. – Members of Operation Shanela II arrested a 33-year-old man for possession of an imitation firearm in Jessica Street, Valhalla Park on Tuesday 17 February 2026.
The members were doing stop and searches in the area when they spotted the suspect. During the search, they found the imitation firearm and eight blank rounds of ammunition.
Two women also die in shooting
Baby brutally killed
CRIME SCENE: Athlone, Cape Town. – In another senseless and brutal shooting incident on Tuesday night, 17 February 2026, a nine-month-old baby girl was killed alongside two women.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) responded to reports of a shooting at Sunbird Court in Bridgetown, Athlone at about 10pm. When the officers arrived at the crime scene, they found the bodies of two women aged 25 and 36, as well as that of the nine-month-old baby. All three sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Two men were also wounded during the incident and taken to hospital for treatment.
According to the police three unknown suspects fled the scene. The motive for the attack is still under investigation.
SAPS said it condemned the incident and assured the residents of Athlone and broader community that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to book and restore safety and stability in the area.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile app. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.