Easter week: Arrests down; assaults up

02 April 2024

In the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 305 arrests, down from the previous Easter period. However, as feared, the month-end phenomenon made its presence felt. 

The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 2 725 incidents over the Easter long weekend - a near 20% increase from 2023's 2 294 incidents.

This included 1 256 medical calls, 108 fire incidents, 301 cases of assault, up from 211 last year, 98 domestic violence cases – nearly 200% up from 33 the previous year and 88 road accidents, up from 75 in 2023.

'We were very concerned about the Easter weekend falling over a month-end period, and unfortunately far too many of the statistical indicators point once more to the use, and abuse of alcohol. I am perplexed by the sharp increase in motor vehicle accidents and the number of incidents related to interpersonal violence calls. On a lighter note, we experienced a downturn in drunk driving arrests over the Easter period, which was a pleasant and welcome surprise. Another positive was the number of long distance public transport operators who participated in Operation Exodus, with a 15% increase in vehicles checked compared to last Easter,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In general enforcement, the City's agencies made 305 arrests and issued 62 710 fines for various offences – compared to 361 arrests in 2023, and 72 465 fines issued.

Drunk driving arrests showed a remarkable decline year-on-year, from 80 in 2023 to just 25 in the past week.

The Law Enforcement Department arrested 241 suspects and issued 3 159 notices for various by-law transgressions. Seven of the arrests were for driving under the influence of intoxicating substances.

Officers attached to LEAP also recovered three firearms – two in Lavender Hill and one in Atlantis – and arrested three suspects in connection with these incidents. In Manenberg, on 28 March, a suspect was arrested for possession of a zip gun and a knife.  

Metro Police officers made 49 arrests, including four for drunk driving, and issued 2 334 fines for various traffic and by-law transgressions.

The City's Traffic Service arrested 15 motorists in the past week – 14 for driving under the influence and one for reckless and negligent driving.

Officers also executed 1 202 warrants of arrest, impounded 135 vehicles and recorded 57 217 offences.

Operation Exodus, which focuses on vehicle and driver fitness in the long distance transport industry saw 487 vehicles undergoing checks, up from 423 in 2023.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office