Gang Boss Assassinated in Parkwood
Cape Town police are investigating the murder of a notorious gang leader, Timothy “Tamatie” Japhta, whose death has exposed an extensive drug storage operation allegedly run by a rival gang. Japhta, believed to be the leader of the Americans gang, was ambushed and shot more than 20 times while sitting in his car outside his home on Willow Road over the weekend.
Authorities suspect that members of the Six Bobs gang were responsible for the attack, and investigations into his murder led officers to a significant drug bust.
Police Track Suspects to Drug Den
According to a police source, detectives had been closely monitoring the movements of three Six Bobs gang members who were believed to be involved in Japhta’s assassination. Officers followed the suspects from Hanover Park to a guesthouse in Wynberg, where they met with several women.
The suspects were later seen entering a storage facility and carrying a box to Lugano Court. Detecting suspicious activity, the police launched an operation that led them to a council flat, where they found one of the suspects in possession of a rifle.
Huge Drug and Fake Alcohol Operation Exposed
In a bizarre twist, the owner of the storage unit called the police, claiming that his unit had been broken into but refused to open a case. He mentioned that a firearm had been stolen, which raised further suspicions. Acting on this lead, the police returned to the storage facility in Philippi, where they uncovered a massive stash of illegal substances.
Inside the unit, officers discovered approximately one ton of dagga, along with large quantities of cocaine, tik (methamphetamine), and other drugs. Additionally, they found equipment for manufacturing counterfeit alcohol and a printing machine used for creating fake labels.
Further investigation revealed that the stolen rifle found in the suspect’s possession had originally been taken from a location in Rondebosch East. Authorities believe this was the reason the storage unit owner hesitated to report the incident.
Suspects Arrested and Investigation Ongoing
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that three men, aged between 42 and 53, were arrested at Lugano Court on Sunday evening. The arrests were carried out by the Maitland Flying Squad and Metro Police after receiving intelligence about the presence of an illegal firearm at the premises.
“The suspects will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm,” Twigg stated.
Following further inquiries, law enforcement searched the Philippi storage facility and seized the drugs and counterfeit alcohol. While no arrests have been made in connection with the drug stash, authorities have launched an investigation to track down those responsible for operating the facility.
Authorities Vow to Tackle Gang Violence
Japhta’s murder has reignited concerns about ongoing gang violence in Cape Town’s crime-ridden areas. The incident highlights the brutal nature of gang rivalries and the deep connection between organized crime and the drug trade.
Police have assured the public that they are intensifying efforts to curb gang-related crime and will continue to track down those involved in illegal activities. More arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds.