Increase in weekly arrests shows effective enforcement

16 October 2023

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested 410 suspects and issued 52 723 fines during weekly patrols. During the previous week, officers arrested just under 400 suspects. The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 1 971 calls for assistance during the weekend of which more than 844 were medical related calls. 

On Sunday, 15 October 2023, Metro Police officers conducted a vehicle checkpoint in Khayelitsha where they arrested 13 drivers aged 23 – 45 for driving under the influence of alcohol with the highest reading recorded as 1,76 milligram/1000ml.

On the same day, officers monitoring CCTV footage identified an accident scene between two vehicles on the N1 off ramp to Plattekloof. Officers immediately informed the South African Police Service (SAPS) who on arrival arrested one of the motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was detained at Parow SAPS. 

On Saturday, 14 October 2023 Metro Police officers working with Traffic Service and Law Enforcement officers conducted a crime prevention operation in the Strand area. During the patrol officers confiscated 20  whole and two crushed Mandrax tablets and arrested three suspects aged 29, 19 and 31 for possession of drugs. The suspects were detained at Strand SAPS.

During the same day, officers on patrol in Mitchells Plain drove past a Hyundai Getz with four suspicious males in the vehicle. Officers followed the vehicle and approached the occupants when they stopped at Westgate Mall. Upon further inspection, it was found that the vehicle was reported stolen. The officers arrested the four occupants aged 20 – 24 for possession of a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects was also found in possession of a live 9mm round of ammunition.

During weekly patrols, Metro Police officers arrested 87 suspects and issued 2 938 fines for various transgressions. 

Traffic Service

Cape Town Traffic Service held integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations during which 67 suspects were arrested and 44 587 fines for speeding and various other traffic violations were recorded. Officers also issued 1 955 warrants of arrest.

Of their 67 arrests, 62 were for driving under the influence of alcohol and five for reckless and negligent driving.

PECC

During the past weekend, call agents dealt with 132 physical assault calls  as well as 19 calls of gunshot related incidents. The centre also received calls for assistance of 35 motor vehicle accidents. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The past week saw officers conduct more than 620 enforcement operations during which officers made 256 arrests and issued 5 288 fines. Of those arrested, 140 were for illegal possession of drugs.

On Saturday, 14 October 2023 two officers completed their escort of Water and Sanitation officials who had to fix a main pipe in Hanover Park when they heard gunshots fired around the corner where they stood down. The officers acted swiftly to investigate when members of the community  pointed out an unknown male suspect running away from the scene. Officers apprehended the suspect and recovered an illegal firearm inside a wendy house at a nearby property. The suspect was arrested and taken to Philippi SAPS. One of the officers also managed to arrest another male suspect who was detained at SAPS. It is believed that this suspect could be linked to a murder scene.   

'The more than 400 successful arrests during the past week clearly show that our officers respond to incidents of those breaking the law and creating a threat to public safety in communities and safety on our roads. The high number of motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol remains a big concern. For officers to arrest 13 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol at one roadblock clearly shows that there are motorists who do not have respect for the rules of the road and the safety of passengers and other road users. Driving under the influence is likely to increase as we are approaching the festive season. We will increase our enforcement efforts to combat this – we hope that those who continue to break the law will take note,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Residents are reminded to phone 021 480 77 00 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline to report any criminal activity or emergency.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office