Malmesbury Drug Bust: Police Arrest 65-Year-Old Man And Seize Firearms, Drugs And R47,799 Cash

A 65-year-old man is set to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court after Western Cape police allegedly uncovered drugs, firearms and thousands of rand in cash at a property in Wesbank.

The arrest was made on Sunday during ongoing operations aimed at tackling gang-related crime in the area. Officers said they acted after noticing suspicious activity at a house in Fresia Street.

The property is situated opposite Schoonspruit Secondary School. It is also located a street away from where two people were killed in a mass shooting two weeks ago.

Police Drug Bust In Malmesbury Leads To Firearms And Cash Seizure

The Malmesbury drug bust unfolded while police were carrying out stop-and-search operations, disruptive actions and high-visibility patrols in Wesbank. The operations form part of efforts to curb ongoing gang violence in the community.

Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said officers became suspicious after observing activity at the residence.

“Members were conducting disruptive operations, stop-and-searches and high-visibility patrols in Wesbank, Malmesbury, in response to ongoing gang violence in the area.

“During patrols, officers noticed suspicious activity at a residence on Fresia Street and acted on observations made at the scene.

“A search of the premises led to the discovery of a quantity of drugs that were allegedly being prepared for distribution.

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“Further searches resulted in the seizure of mandrax tablets, tik, ecstasy tablets, drug paraphernalia, a pistol with ammunition, a blank firearm, and cash amounting to R47 799, believed to be linked to illegal activities.”

Traut said the suspect was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“A 65-year-old man was arrested on charges relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court once charged.”

Malmesbury Drug Arrest Follows Ongoing Anti-Gang Operations

Police said the Malmesbury drug arrest forms part of intensified operations targeting gang violence across the West Coast region. Officers have increased patrols and visibility in identified crime hotspots.

The operation comes as authorities continue efforts to restore safety following recent violent incidents in Wesbank.

Hanover Park Firearm Arrest Made By Anti-Gang Unit

In a separate incident on Sunday, Anti-Gang Unit officers arrested a 43-year-old man in Hanover Park. The suspect was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Police said officers confiscated a 9mm Taurus pistol with its serial number removed, along with 10 rounds of ammunition.

The suspect was taken into custody and detained at Philippi SAPS. Investigations into the matter are continuing.