The Bothasig Community Policing Forum has welcomed a major breakthrough by SAPS following an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the recovery of seven illegal firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and drugs with an estimated street value of R10 million.
One suspect has been arrested and remains in custody.
Bothasig CPF Chairperson Mario Borchards says the operation demonstrates that intelligence-driven policing is producing results. He says while a single arrest will not end organised crime, it disrupts criminal networks and removes dangerous weapons from communities. The suspect is expected to appear in court for a bail application on 29 July 2026.
Meanwhile, Ward 5 councillor, Miquette Temlett, says that while crime is not a major problem in the area, there is also concern that residents fear reporting crime to the police.
“So the stats doesn’t always show what’s happening in the community. I don’t think crime in Ward 5 is out of control. I think we have magnificent neighborhood watches in the area that are the eyes and ears on the ground. We have a very active CPF and we have a very good SAPS office that assists the community and is very involved with the community. So I think the coordination between all these structures is really valuable in Ward 5.”
