Officers arrest nearly 280 suspects
21 August 2023
The City's Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments made 267 arrests and issued 69 774 fines for various transgressions in the past week.
On Sunday night, 20 August 2023 Metro Police officers conducted crime prevention patrols in the Bishop Lavis Area, where officers stopped a vehicle and noticed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He tested positive with a 0.55 mg/l reading. The 32-year-old was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and taken to Bishop Lavis South African Police Service(SAPS). Officers continued with enforcement patrols in the Bellville area where they arrested seven motorists aged between 28 and 48 for the same offence. The highest reading obtained was 0.73 mg/l. All suspects were detained at Bellville SAPS.
On the same day, officers conducted crime prevention patrols in the Lavender Hill and Retreat area due to the rise of gang related shootings. During these patrols, officers arrested three suspects aged 19, 34 and 37 for the possession of drugs. Officers confiscated nine Mandrax tablets, eight sachets of Tik and two stoppe Dagga. All the suspects were detained at Steenberg SAPS.
Overall, the Metro Police department made 48 arrests over the period and issued 2 962 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.
CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICE
Officers issued 64 418 fines and arrested 33 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In addition, 108 public transport vehicles were impounded under the National Land Transport Act in accordance with the SANTACO agreement and 2 231 warrants of arrest issued.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
On Sunday, 20 August 2023 officers from the Law Enforcement Housing Safety Unit responded to a complaint about illegal occupation in the Langa area. Upon arrival, officers found a group of adult males drinking in front of a rental stock unit. When officers approached the group, one of the suspects mentioned that the unit was his. Upon further investigation, officers found one of the rooms in a total mess with a bed turned upside down. A female appeared from one of the rooms and informed the officers that she is the complainant and that three of the suspects in the group outside damaged her property, assaulted her and made intimidating remarks towards her.
The female tenant confirmed that she wanted to open up a case, and positively identified the individuals implicated. The three male suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property, assault and intimidation and were booked at Langa SAPS.
In the past week, Law Enforcement officers conducted more than 470 enforcement operations throughout the metropole, which resulted in 186 arrests and 2 395 fines issued for various transgressions.
LEAP officers accounted for 174 of the arrests made of which 114 were for illegal possession of drugs.
'The number of illegal narcotics confiscated by our officers, together with the swift response when an incident is reported, often saves innocent lives and possible assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Confiscating drugs stops the further distribution of narcotics which destroys lives and fuels criminal activities. We have an obligation to protect and serve and we will continue to enforce the law and protect law abiding citizens and create safer communities by working closely with SAPS, other enforcement agencies, security companies and Neighbourhood Watches,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
