BURNED-DOWN HISTORIC BUILDING NOW A HIDEOUT FOR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY — 6 ARRESTED, FIREARM RECOVERED
Crime
What was once a well-known landmark on the bustling corner of Cape Road and Salisbury in Mill Park — now a burnt-out shell — has become the center of illegal activity, as Atlas Security’s Rapid Intervention Unit uncovered a shocking discovery in the early hours of the morning.
At approximately 03:50, while conducting routine patrols in the Cape Road area, our RIU vehicle, Romeo 2, noticed an unattended trolley suspiciously parked near the entrance gate on Salisbury Road. The scene raised immediate red flags, prompting Romeo 2 to investigate further.
Upon inspection, the officer detected movement within the gutted remains of the building — formerly housing Champion Sports Bar — which had been severely damaged by fire just weeks earlier. All gates appeared locked from the outside, but the unmistakable sounds coming from inside confirmed unauthorized entry.
Backup was swiftly called in, with Bravo 106 and Bravo 22 arriving on the scene to provide tactical support. Romeo 2 and Bravo 106 accessed the premises through both Cape Road and Salisbury Road, carefully manoeuvring through the debris and hazards of the compromised structure.
In a back room of the dilapidated building, officers discovered six suspects — one female and five males — actively burning copper wires. In their possession were two additional bags filled with stolen goods, including copper pipes, electrical breakers, cellphones, bank cards, knives, and housebreaking equipment.
While detaining the suspects and awaiting SAPS, officers conducted a search of the bags and made a startling find: a loaded revolver concealed in the bottom of a yellow bag filled with copper wires.
Additional response officers (Bravo 22 and Romeo 1) arrived to secure the scene and assist with the detainment and search process. Forensic teams were called out to photograph the firearm and suspects, ensuring all evidence was documented properly on site.
All six suspects were handed over to SAPS and face charges related to the possession of stolen property, copper theft, and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the operation.
The importance of ongoing visibility and patrols is crucial, even in non-client areas, as criminal elements continue to exploit abandoned buildings and infrastructure. The coordinated efforts between officers on the ground and SAPS ensured swift action and recovery of stolen property — and potentially prevented a firearm from being used in more serious crimes.
A case has been opened by SAPS, and investigations are ongoing.
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