A multidisciplinary team comprising members from the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), AGU Detectives, #SANDF/South African Air Force, Gelvandale SAPS, Gelvandale Tracing Team, Gelvandale Crime Prevention Unit and SAPS K9 Unit conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Helenvale on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
The operation commenced at approximately 06:30 and forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt, disarm and dismantle gangs that are operating within identified gang hotspots. The operation specifically focused on Helenvale following recent crimes reported in the area.
During the operation, members conducted searches at four premises, three vehicles and 23 persons. Members also executed J51 warrants and conducted tracing operations for wanted suspects linked to recent murders in the area.
During a search conducted at a premises in Ibex Street, Helenvale, police recovered two firearms, namely a silver-coloured pistol and a shotgun, together with various quantities of ammunition. Police also recovered 68 medium-sized ziplock packets containing dagga, four additional ziplock packets containing dagga and a black plastic packet containing loose dagga, with a combined weight of approximately 683 grams. A total of 200 Star Mandrax tablets and 74 Boss Mandrax tablets were also recovered.
A further firearm, a .303 rifle, was recovered at Old Stanford Road in Helenvale. Other items, including a bulletproof vest and an army uniform jacket, were also found at the premises. The ownership of the recovered items could not be established.
A total of three firearms were therefore recovered during the operation. No arrests have been made in connection with the firearms and drugs recovered during the searches at this stage. Enquiries have been opened to establish the ownership and origin of the firearms, ammunition and drugs, as well as to identify and apprehend those responsible.
One #WANTED suspect linked to a murder case in the Gelvandale policing precinct was traced and arrested during the operation.
The recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic analysis to establish whether they may have been used in other criminal activities.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the multidisciplinary team for the successful operation and reiterated that police will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations aimed at removing illegal firearms and drugs from communities.
#fightingcrime #PartnershipPolicing
Firearms and drugs were confiscated in Helenvalehttps://t.co/Q1goxlxqSb#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/Lb10DfBOpB
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 10, 2026