Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
ONLINE CHANNELS USED TO TRAFFIC ILLEGAL GUNS
Cape Argus
|October 14, 2025
WC police boss reveals how it works
POLICE investigations into the transportation of illegal firearms in South Africa have revealed how criminals exploit online marketplaces and covert couriers to conceal transactions and move firearms.
This is after the SAPS last month arrested eight suspects in Bellville, during an operation for transporting illegal firearms from KwaZulu-Natal. The raid resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of weapons, including six AK-47 rifles and eight 9mm pistols.
Both KZN and the Western Cape are major centres of gun violence.
Firearms are used in nearly 40% of violent crimes in the Cape Flats. Gang violence is fuelled by illegal assault rifles and other firearms stolen from the SAPS. In one prominent corruption case, a police colonel, Chris Prinsloo, sold thousands of guns intended for destruction to Western Cape gangs.
The Western Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, said police are investigating various cases involving the transport of illegal firearms.
This story is from the October 14, 2025 edition of Cape Argus.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Cape Argus
Cape Argus
Max seeks F1 Qatar Grand Prix hat-trick but Norris still title favourite
MAX Verstappen is seeking a hat-trick of wins at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend as this year’s Formula One world championship reaches boiling point in the Arabian Gulf.
2 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Prime Circle and Jesse Clegg to rock the Mother City
Two Mzansi musical powerhouses will be bringing the festive vibes to the Mother City this weekend during this festival.
1 min
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Brackenfell family praises firefighter's lifesaving actions
A BRACKENFELL family has sung the praises of firefighter, Arlin Thielman, who helped save their baby, Daniel.
1 min
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Van Rooyen worked on Lions’ ‘identity’ ahead of derby
THE Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen believes his team is in prime condition following a structured three-week preparation period ahead of their United Rugby Championship encounter against the Bulls tomorrow, with kickoff set for 2pm.
2 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Trump’s G20 exclusion of SA has economic implications
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s announcement that South Africa would not be invited to attend the G20 summit in 2026, as well as stopping payments and subsidies, is set to prove that the US has power and dominates the economy.
2 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Louw's comeback adds power to depleted Bulls
DESPITE missing key players due to Springboks duty, the Bulls will field a strong side for their United Rugby Championship (URC) Juksei derby with the Lions.
2 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Shooting suspect served alongside US army in Afghanistan
A MAN suspected of shooting two National Guard soldiers near the White House was an Afghan national who had served alongside American troops in Afghanistan, US media reported this week, as Washington labelled the incident an “act of terror”.
3 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Shortages force Boks into 7-1 bench split
THE Springboks have been pushed into selecting a 7-1 bench split for tomorrow's Test against Wales in Cardiff, a move driven primarily by player unavailability and the match falling outside the international window.
3 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
Slot feels ‘safe’ despite Reds’ latest humiliation
ARNE Slot insisted he is confident of avoiding the sack despite troubled Liverpool's dismal 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
2 mins
November 28, 2025
Cape Argus
How outdated criminal justice system fuels crime
THE Western Cape Province is ravaged by escalating drug and gang wars, worsened by severe failures by national government, especially within the SAPS.
4 mins
November 28, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size