Illegal firearm and stolen vehicle recoveries in the spotlight
06 July 2026
In the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies arrested 311 suspects for various crimes. They also recovered three illegal firearms and seven stolen or hijacked vehicles.
In general enforcement efforts over the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies arrested 311 suspects and issued 52 858 fines for traffic and bylaw transgressions.
Law Enforcement officers made 155 arrests and issued 5 968 notices. LEAP officers recovered three firearms:
1 July: 28-year-old arrested in Hanover Park for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition
4 July: 25-year-old arrested in Manenberg for possession of a prohibited firearm and 24 rounds of ammunition
5 July: 27-year-old arrested in Khayelitsha for possession of a prohibited firearm and three rounds of ammunition
Metro Police officers made 116 arrests, including 30 for driving under the influence, and issued 3 634 fines.
They recovered at least seven stolen or hijacked vehicles - four of the incidents happened early on Sunday morning in Khayelitsha, Delft, Wallacedene and Dunoon.
In one of the more brazen incidents, officers on patrol in Delft late on Sunday afternoon noticed the driver of a Kia Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV) struggling to stay in his lane. When they pulled him over, his eyes were bloodshot and he was reeking of alcohol. A check on the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen in Table View. The driver and passenger were detained at Delft SAPS on charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol.
‘The anti-hijacking unit was established to help curb the hijacking of City-owned vehicles, which is a massive challenge in some parts of the city. As we’ve indicated before, and as the most recent batch of vehicle recoveries show, their efforts are also benefiting other motorists.
‘And, while the recovery rate is impressive, it is also a reminder that car thieves and hijackers are hard at work. I want to encourage motorists to be alert at all times to their surroundings, and to report any incidents as soon as possible to improve the odds of a vehicle recovery, but also of ensuring those responsible end up behind bars,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 40 suspects – 36 for drunk driving, two for reckless and negligent driving and two on various charges. They executed 922 warrants, impounded 142 public transport vehicles and issued 43 256 fines.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 298 calls for assistance this past weekend, including 98 incidents of assault; 32 domestic violence cases; 10 shooting incidents, 33 motor vehicle accidents and 13 more involving pedestrians.
The public is reminded to report incidents and emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 OR logging by-law and traffic related complaints using the Safety and Security feature on the City App.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
