Police foil suspected gun attack outside Wynberg Magistrates' Court

Seven suspects were arrested and three illegal firearms, along with nearly 60 rounds of ammunition, were seized in what authorities believed was a planned attack on a witness outside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 15.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said authorities acted on tip-offs received from various social media platforms about a suspicious Quantum taxi travelling to Wynberg with an alleged plan to shoot a witness scheduled to appear in court.

As a result, the Wynberg Central Business District Operational Team was deployed to monitor and patrol the area surrounding the court.

“While on patrol, the members noticed the Quantum parked on Church Street with 7 occupants. They approached the Quantum using their tactical training and instructed the occupants to get out of the vehicle.”

Mr Smith said the occupants were searched and found in possession of prohibited firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, cell phones, and narcotics. He said the initial investigation suggested that the suspects may have links to known gangs and could be connected to previous shootings.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that seven suspects were arrested, three illegal firearms and almost 60 rounds of ammunition were seized in a joint operation between police and the City’s law enforcement. The suspects ranged in age from 18 to 64.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, December 17, facing possession of illegal firearms charges,” she said.

The incident followed a fatal shooting at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court in April this year, when a man waiting in the court corridors was shot and killed.