Parow: A 33-year-old alleged gang leader is expected to appear in the Parow Magistrates’ Court after he was arrested for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

According to South African Government News Agency, members of Operation Lockdown III arrested the suspect in Ravensmead in the Western Cape last week. The team seized an R5 rifle, a shotgun, three pistols, more than 160 rounds of ammunition, and several magazines. Four out of the five illegal firearms had their serial numbers filed off, indicating attempts to conceal their origins.

The SAPS highlighted that they acted swiftly, operationalizing intelligence on the suspect, who allegedly controlled the gang’s firearms. During the operation, the suspect led police to a cache of firearms and ammunition concealed near a block of flats in Ravensmead.

All seized firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes. The suspect is expected to appear before the Parow Magistrates’ Court soon, while investigations continue.