Cape Town - Three suspects have been arrested for the burglary at the Public Order Police’s headquarters in Faure.
Riot control ammunition and a gas canister launcher were stolen last week.
An internal SAPS report showed that offices stationed at the base, which is home to the specialised SAPS unit, were burgled on August 12.
Crime activists have called for an independent investigation.
The report said thieves had entered a platoon store and broke into the cage which stored the firearm safe.
Among the list of stolen items were a gas canister launcher, eight stun grenades, two smoke grenades, two boxes of rubber rounds and two ammunition belts consisting of 40 rubber rounds. There were no witnesses.
Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said an extensive pursuit for the suspects led to the arrest of two men, aged 29 and 31, and a woman, aged 44.
“Kleinvlei detectives joined forces with the Anti-Gang Unit to probe the circumstances surrounding a brazen incident where non-lethal ammunition and a gas canister launcher were stolen.
“The investigation led the team to various locations in and around Kleinvlei during the course of last night, where the suspects were apprehended at separate addresses.
“The two men face charges for house breaking and theft, while the female will be charged with possession of stolen goods and unlicensed ammunition.”
Traut said the first breakthrough came on Sunday, when the gas canister launcher, and some of the ammunition, was discovered abandoned next to Baden Powell Drive.
“During the search operation more ammunition was seized.
“A small quantity of ammunition is yet to be recovered.
“Once charged, the suspects are expected to make their court appearances in Blue Downs Magistrate's Court to face the charges against them.”
Abie Isaacs of the Cape Flats Safety Forum said they welcomed the arrests.
“We applaud the agencies for working non-stop on this matter to ensure arrest had been effected. We call again for a probe to be set up in looking into these matters at policing stations and also the security aspect.”
The Western Cape Community Police Board's Justin Kumlehn, said they were happy that the majority of the stolen items were recovered.
“This successful operation is a significant step towards rebuilding the community's trust in the SAPS.
“However, we must emphasise that any security vulnerabilities identified during the investigation must be addressed immediately. The safety and security of our law enforcement facilities are paramount, and any lapses in this regard cannot be tolerated,” he said.