Social crime prevention takes the writing off the wall

03 August 2026

Metro Police cadets, along with the Law Enforcement Graffiti Unit, removed 785 square metres of graffiti from walls in Manenberg over the weekend as part of a clean-up of a number of suburbs, bridges and other tagged and spraypainted walls. The City’s enforcement agencies also kept areas clean with 439 arrests for various offences.

‘Instead of just reacting to offences after they occur, we are tackling social crimes as it targets some of the root causes of crime and violence. By addressing these underlying risk factors and building community cohesion and strength, it creates long-term safety and stability. At the same time our departments continue to make inroads in getting weapons and criminals off the streets. We will continue to prioritise crime prevention on all levels to ensure the safety and  better quality of life for all our residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP  Smith

PECC

The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 2 812 calls for assistance this past weekend. This included 174 physical assault related incidents, 97 domestic violence cases and 100 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Calls to the PECC more than doubled, with domestic violence figures tripling and more than double the number of physical assault related incidents and accidents.

‘While of grave concern, these increases have become par for the course on a month-end weekend. Calls for responsible socialising and partying are falling on deaf ears and we will continue to enforce the law,’ said Alderman Smith.

In general enforcement efforts, Law Enforcement officers made 243 arrests and issued 12 386 notices.
Their Metro Police counterparts made 134 arrests, including 44 for drunk driving. Officers  issued 5 649 notices and recovered a firearm, two imitation firearms, 17 rounds of ammunition, five stolen and/or hijacked vehicles, and confiscated a number of drugs.

On the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 62 suspects – 49 for drunk driving, five for reckless and negligent driving and eight on other charges. They executed 2 005 warrants, impounded 160 public transport vehicles and issued 47 840 fines.

The public is reminded to report incidents and emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the PECC on 021 480 7700 or logging by-law and traffic related complaints using the Safety and Security feature on the City App.

Caption 1: Metro Police cadets after their Manenberg clean-up.

Caption 2: The imitation firearm confiscated from a suspect in Manenberg wanted for attempted murder.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office