Five members of the Junky Funky Kids gang appeared in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court today after they were busted with homemade firearms.
The men from Allison Court in Heideveld were arrested by the Metro Police’s K9 unit on Wednesday.
Metro police spokesperson, Superintendent Ruth Solomons, says: “Metro Police officers confiscated two more zip guns in Heideveld.
“The K9 unit received a tip-off about illegal firearms and drug activity at a house in the area.
“They sought permission to conduct a search and found two zip guns, a 9mm round of ammunition and small quantities of tik and mandrax.
“Five suspects between ages 21 and 47 were detained at Manenberg SAPS for possession of drugs, illegal possession of ammunition and prohibited firearms.”
Manenberg SAPS commander Sanele Zama says the men are part of the Junky Funky Kids.
“They will appear in Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Friday on various charges and we applaud the Metro Police for this arrest,” he says.
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says officers are finding zip guns all over the Cape Flats.
“We are seeing an increase in zip guns and makeshift firearms and it may be that there are less in circulation but these weapons remain dangerous.
“Our Leap officers are making several arrests across various areas including Delft, Hanover Park, Nyanga and Kraaifontein where the confiscation of firearms equates to an average of one gun per day.”