‘First of its kind’: Cape Town officers seize gun disguised as a cellphone

Cape Town law enforcement officers made a startling discovery in Manenberg after seizing a firearm disguised as a cellphone, along with tik and Mandrax, during an early-morning operation.

A firearm disguised as a mobile phone has been seized by City of Cape Town law enforcement officers during an early-morning operation in Manenberg, with a suspect arrested after officers also allegedly found drugs.

The unusual weapon was confiscated at around 3.30 am on 15 October after officers on duty in the Cape Town neighbourhood were alerted by members of the public to a suspected drug dealer in Pam Road.

The officers searched the suspect and his vehicle, uncovering a prohibited firearm resembling a cellphone, three sachets of tik and half a Mandrax tablet.

The modified illegal firearm reportedly uses .22-calibre ammunition and is designed to be carried discreetly without being recognised as a weapon, raising concerns about the challenges posed by firearms disguised as everyday objects.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith confirmed the seizure, describing it as a first for the City’s enforcement officers.

“This is the first firearm of this kind confiscated by City enforcement officers.”