Officers smoke out illegal cigarette dealers
15 June 2020
The City's enforcement services attended to various complaints this past week, which range from catching illegal cigarette sellers in the act to ending a house party contravening lockdown regulations. In addition, more than 15 000 fines were issued. Read more below:
‘Officers across the Safety and Security Directorate deal with a vast range of contraventions daily, from attending to residents' complaints to joint operations with other role players and this past week has been no different. I urge the public to assist in contributing to a safer city by adhering to lockdown regulations that are in place to manage the spread of COVID-19.
While the province has challenged the constitutionality of certain regulations, the City is obliged to enforce all national regulations so our officers continue to confiscate illicit cigarettes which are sold by unscrupulous dealers to defiant smokers,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On Sunday June 14, officers were attending to a complaint in Khayelitsha when they saw a man buying cigarettes at a tuck shop.
When they searched the shop, officers found 38 sealed packets of cigarettes and 29 loose cigarettes. The 23-year-old suspect was arrested for selling prohibited items under the Disaster Management Act.
Another arrest for the sale of cigarettes took place on Friday, 12 June in Hanover Park, when officers were approached by a resident who informed them of the illegal sale of tobacco products from a house in Turfburg Walk.
When officers went to the location, they found 118 packets of various cigarette brands in the suspect’s possession. A 28-year-old man was arrested.
Law Enforcement officers, meanwhile, stepped in following an animal welfare complaint in Mitchells Plain.
They found two dogs in poor condition, which were being used by a security guard. The dogs were voluntarily surrendered by the owner and taken to the SPCA.
In addition, law enforcement officers issued 892 notices and participated in 102 operations, including interventions with other roleplayers.
On the roads, the City’s Traffic Service arrested 16 suspects, including four for reckless and negligent driving and six for driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers also issued 15 851 fines for various other offences.
'The easing of restrictions requires even greater responsibility from residents. Laws and measures are still in place and we all need to adhere if we want to stay safe. We have worked hard as a city, and as a country, to manage the spread of COVID-19 and we will not tolerate reckless behaviour that threatens our efforts to protect our residents.
Metro Police officers patrolling in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, on Saturday evening had to stop the music at a house party, where a number of people were gathered. Those who didn't live at the residence, were requested to leave.
‘House parties, which are ultimately large gatherings, defy social distancing which is strongly recommended to all residents across the city. We understand that people are becoming frustrated with a lack of social interaction, but we must remain disciplined and continue to practice social distancing diligently,' added Alderman Smith.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
