City on patrol to keep communities safe
31 August 2020
The City’s Traffic Service and Metro Police Departments had another busy week with officers impounding 52 vehicles and issuing 4 489 fines. Metro Police officers also assisted 14 motorists whose vehicles broke down. Read more below:
During the past week traffic officers conducted minibus-taxi enforcement operations and issued 1 128 fines for various offences.
Officers also had to deal with illegal street racing which is on the increase. One such an illegal street race took place in Sea Point where officers arrested a suspect for driving while under the influence of alcohol and another for being in the possession of a fraudulent driver’s licence.
Another illegal street race in Bellville South on Thursday, 27 August 2020, saw officers issuing 224 fines for various other offences.
‘The blatant disregard for public safety shows that criminals have no respect for the rights of others. Those who participate in illegal street races are putting the lives of law abiding citizens and motorists at risk,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Metro Police
Metro Police officers assisted the South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad during a crime prevention patrol. While conducting a search at a house in Blackheath the Metro Police recovered 62 packets of dagga and the SAPS recovered a 9mm Norinco pistol, ensuing the arrest of two suspects. A 22-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of dagga by Metro Police and the other suspect was arrested by SAPS for the illegal possession of a firearm. Both suspects were detained at Kleinvlei SAPS.
While on patrol last week in Khayelitsha, officers noticed a female looking extremely nervous when she spotted the patrol vehicle. Upon searching the suspect the officer found a bag with 24 clear sachets containing tik and R767 cash in her possession. The 31-year old suspect was arrested for possession of tik and detained at Harare SAPS.
Apart from the routine patrols where Metro Police officers issued 902 traffic fines and 33 notices for by-law transgressions, officers also assisted other enforcement services to guard against land invasions in Khayelitsha and high visibility patrols on all major freeways due to the ongoing truck strike. Integrated task teams consisting of Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Traffic Service will keep on monitoring and protecting Council owned land and property throughout the Cape Metropole.
Fire and Rescue Service
The City’s Fire Service went on call for various fires during the past few days with eight fatalities recorded. The latest fire incident happened during the early hours of this morning, 31 August 2020, when a report came in of a formal dwelling alight in Vredenhof Street, Strand.
Strand fire crews were quickly on the scene and were confronted with a smoke filled building. They had to break down the front door to gain access. The man, aged 49, and a 33-year old woman were found unconscious and medics immediately started resuscitation efforts. The couple’s 10-year old son managed to escape the fire. Unfortunately both the man and women were declared deceased.
The adverse weather conditions with extreme low temperatures increases the risk of structural fires, especially as people try to stay warm. Always ensure that cooking fires are extinguished properly, keep a bucket of sand and a bucket of water handy and extinguish all candles and lamps before going to sleep or leaving home.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service appeals to residents to save the City’s emergency numbers on their phones, to call as soon as possible and not hinder the fire crews when they arrive on scene.
Fires can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone.
‘The City’s enforcement and emergency services will stay on alert to render services where it is needed. Although our enforcement agencies also assist in protecting City land from invasion they still have the primary function of keeping our roads and communities safe. Our integrated approach, together with the assistance from community groups, is vital in our fight against crime, ' added Alderman Smith.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
