200+ arrests all in a week’s work
23 March 2021
The City's Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested 219 suspects on various charges and issued more than 83 400 fines. The Traffic Service also impounded 256 vehicles.
During general enforcement in the past week, Traffic Officers arrested 19 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol and a further 20 for reckless and negligent driving.
The Transport Enforcement Unit conducted operations throughout the metropole and impounded 210 vehicles and issued 3 308 fines for various offences relating to vehicle and road safety transgressions.
On Friday, 19 March 2021, Traffic officers conducted a street racing operation in the Durbanville area where officers arrested 25 suspects - 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol and nine for reckless and negligent driving.
‘We are concerned about the number of motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol while participating in an illegal activity. It is often the case that some of these motorists have outstanding warrants or were previously fined. These motorists participating in an illegal street race know it's against the law. To be arrested for drunk driving as an added offence shows the total disregard for road rules by some motorists. Innocent law abiding motorists, passengers and pedestrians’ lives are being put at risk and we will not allow this. We will intensify our efforts in hotspot areas so that we can get drunk drivers off the road,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Metro Police
Metro Police officers arrested 87 suspects for offences relating to domestic violence, sexual offences, stolen property and possession of illegal fire arms and ammunition. In addition, 26 arrests were made for possession of, or selling of drugs.
During metro wide operations, officers confiscated the following drugs;
On Sunday, 21 March 2021, officers assisted the South African Police Service in Macassar with the search and arrest of four suspects with outstanding warrants. On the same day, officers attended to a complaint of riotous behaviour and malicious damage to property – also in Macassar. The windows of a house were all thrown out by a 16-year-old suspect.
Later that day, officers were on patrol along Beach Road in Strand when they spotted a white VW Golf with two occupants. While interviewing the driver, officers detected a strong smell of drugs in the vehicle. The driver admitted to having dagga in his possession. Upon consenting to a vehicle search by the driver, officers found three dagga stoppe, two packets of tik and nine mandrax halves. The driver, aged 34, was arrested for possession of drugs and was detained at Strand SAPS.
Law Enforcement
During weekly operations, officers made 61 arrests and issued 4 815 fines. They also confiscated 133 units of alcohol and confiscated 43 items related to marine life.
Law Enforcement patrols also assist with Covid-19 compliance and the wearing of masks. In this regard, officers issued 345 notices to individuals for failure to wear a mask.
‘The increase in successful arrests and assistance to other enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Servis important in crime prevention and to instill a sense of confidence in communities. We need the public to work with us by reporting anti-social and criminal behaviour. The City also relies heavily on our partnership with Neighbourhood Watches to address issues in communities. These organisations are essentially force multipliers, as they are the eyes and ears on the ground, who play a crucial role in identifying issues that need attention like vandalised or stolen municipal infrastructure, but also have an understanding of crime and other anti-social issues in their respective areas,' added Alderman Smith.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
