Cape Town - Alleged 28s gang members are set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court today after they were arrested in Table View with assault rifles before they could allegedly carry out a hit.
The incident on Friday night sent shock waves through the suburb, as the Maitland Flying Squad cornered the seven suspects, which included a woman, in Parklands.
According to a source, one of the suspects is a member of the 28s gang and was allegedly out for revenge after another gang member was killed in the area.
“It was just over a week ago when this one guy was shot six times in Link Road.
“He ran away from his attackers but collapsed in the road. The guy caught on Friday was allegedly planning a retaliation attack but was stopped before they could leave.
“They spotted a green Volkswagen and a white Mercedes-Benz parked near to each other near Ringwood Drive and approached the occupants,” the source said.
The source said when one of the men spotted the officers, he bolted and police fired a warning shot.
“The officers instructed all of them to lie on the ground and then a sergeant spotted the firearms and shouted ‘firearms’. One of the suspects stood up and ran away. The officers chased after him and fired a warning shot and that is when they were all arrested.
“They were found in possession of an AK47, an Uzi submachine gun and ammunition. They also found 28s tattoos on one of the suspects.”
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie confirmed the incident and said the arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation by the Maitland Flying Squad.
“The determination of the members attached to Maitland Flying Squad to stop the illegal distribution and usage of firearms in the commission of serious and violent crime once again paid off.
“Members arrested seven suspects for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition while they simultaneously foiled what is believed to be a retaliation attack following the attempt on the life of one of the seven suspects, a week ago.
“On arrival officers found a Volkswagen T-Cross and a Mercedes-Benz. When approached one of the suspects tried to run away but was caught by officers who chased after him and fired a warning shot. Next to the Mercedes the officers found an AK47 and an Uzi.”
Pojie confirmed that the suspects, aged between 28 and 36, were expected to make their first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court today.