SANDF Soldier Busted In Ravensmead With Guns, Ammo And Explosives

A 51-year-old South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier has been arrested in Ravensmead, Western Cape after police uncovered a cache of firearms, ammunition and explosives at his home.

The arrest comes as residents on the Cape Flats await the deployment of the SANDF to assist in the fight against gang violence.

According to police, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) acted on a tip-off that the soldier was storing illegal weapons at his property in Delphi Street, Eureka Estate.

When officers arrived at the house in the early hours of Saturday morning, it was empty. However, while searching the premises, they made a startling discovery.

Steel box buried under concrete uncovered

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said officers noticed concrete beneath a carpet in one of the rooms, with plastic protruding.

“They went to the house and found the house empty. They continued searching the premises and in one room, under a carpet a member saw concrete with plastic sticking out.

“The members then broke the concrete with a sledge hammer after which were found a steel box buried in the ground.”

Van Wyk said the box contained multiple items.

“Anti-Gang Unit members are hard at work to rid Western Cape communities of illegal firearms and ammunition.

“Their efforts were rewarded when they seized a steel box containing different calibre firearms, ammunition and explosives in Ravensmead.

“The AGU members arrested a 51-year-old male in connection with the discovery on Saturday, 28 February at 2.45am.”

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Weapons Found with soldier includes pistol, AR15 parts and explosives

Police listed the contents of the steel box as follows:

“Upon opening the steel box, members found inside the following: an assortment of blank cartridges, 7.62 and 5.65 rifle cartridges, 1 x 9mm Imitation firearm csscastra m22 with one magazine and firearm storage box, 1 x Berretta Z88 9mm pistol, with magazine and firearm storage box, 1 x AR15 pistol/rifle upper and lower part, 1 x scope, 1 x magnifier, 1 x silver Lenovo laptop, 2 x rifle magazines, 1 x Black LG laptop, 1 x Black Huawei P9 cellular phone, Nitrosellulose (compound used for explosives) and 1 Claymore anti-personnel mine.”

Van Wyk added: “The suspect arrived home and identified himself as the owner of the house. He was then arrested for the possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives and transported to Ravensmead SAPS with the exhibits.

“The suspect will appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court soon for the mentioned charge.

“The case docket is investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Detectives’ Firearms Investigations Unit.”