Not so gone in 60 seconds

13 July 2026

A group of suspected car thieves crashed into the vehicle they had just stolen with the car they are believed to have used to commit the crime. They were among 420 suspects arrested for various crimes by the City’s enforcement agencies this past week.

Metro Police officers arrested 130 suspects, including 23 for drunk driving, and issued 5 665 fines.

Among those arrested were four men who had allegedly stolen a car in Khayelitsha in the early hours of Sunday, 12 July.

Members of the Metro Police Anti-Hijacking Unit responded to an alert and located the stolen vehicle in Philippi East where it had crashed into a second vehicle.

Four men, two in each vehicle, were arrested and taken to Philippi East police station with the second vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the initial offence.

‘Vehicle theft strikes at the heart of our communities. It’s not just the loss of a mode of transport, but puts livelihoods in jeopardy and robs residents of the ability to simply get to school, work or health facilities.

‘Stolen or hijacked vehicles are often used to commit other crimes and recovery means preventing further criminal activities. In this case, the criminals made it easier when they literally botched their own getaway. Hopefully it’ll be a teaching moment for them that crime does not pay,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement officers made 255 arrests and issued 8 688 notices.

Traffic Services

On the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 35 suspects – 29 for drunk driving, five for reckless and negligent driving and one on another charge. They executed 1 589 warrants, impounded 128 public transport vehicles and issued 46 576 fines.

PECC

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 143 calls for assistance this past weekend, including 56 incidents of assault; 28 domestic violence cases; and  26 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

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.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office