Firearm arrest rounds out another busy week
10 March 2025
The City’s enforcement agencies arrested 323 people this past week for a number of offences. In one of the most recent arrests late last night, a suspect was snagged during patrols in Hanover Park for possession of an illegal firearm.
Metro Police officers and their Law Enforcement counterparts were conducting an integrated operation when they spotted a suspicious-looking man at a spaza shop in Hanover Park.
When they searched him, they found a 9mm Beretta pistol with its serial number still intact and 12 live rounds of ammunition.
The 40-year-old was arrested and detained at Philippi SAPS for further investigation.
On Friday night, officers were approached by a resident in Wesbank who complained that a man had pointed a firearm at him.
A 25-year-old suspect was apprehended and found in possession of an imitation firearm. He was taken to Mfuleni SAPS.
‘Taking illegal, stolen and unregistered firearms – real or fake – off our streets makes our communities safer. Each weapon confiscated reduces gun violence, decreasing the risk of murder and attempted murder, accidental shootings, and overall crime rate. We must make it harder for criminals to terrorise our neighbourhoods,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The Metro Police Department made a total of 89 arrests in the past week, and issued 3 234 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions. Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 210 arrests and issued 11 085 notices.
On the roads, traffic officers arrested 24 suspects – 15 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers also recorded 52 162 offences, impounded 273 public transport vehicles and executed 1 510 warrants.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 748 incidents, which included 131 assaults, 54 domestic violence cases and 41 motor vehicle accidents and 12 pedestrian-vehicle accidents.
‘Every weekend sees a spike in calls for assistance, an increase in violence and greater lawlessness on our roads. Our uniformed staff are out in full force daily to ensure public safety, but we can always do more.
‘With the proposals in the Safety and Security Directorate’s budget, we will get a number of initiatives going that will not only put more boots on the ground, but also increase equipment and expand our tech arsenal. The safety of all our residents is at the top of our list and with this injection, we hope to boost security across the city, in all wards,’ said Alderman Smith.
Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the PECC on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
