Statistics point to a quieter Easter
22 April 2025
In the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 273 arrests, down from the previous Easter period. The Public Emergency Communication Centre too recorded a downturn in incidents.
‘It was a mixed bag this Easter – we are grateful for the decline in cases of interpersonal violence and other categories that are very often linked to alcohol abuse, and the fifteen percent increase in vehicles checked as part of Operation Exodus is also very encouraging. On the streets, our enforcement services put in the hard yards, resulting in a surge in firearm confiscations and related arrests. Drunk driving arrests increased slightly year on year – testament to the efforts of staff to keep our roads safe, but I am disappointed and concerned about the number of incidents involving pedestrians … there were at least four pedestrian fatalities this past weekend – three of them occurred on the N2 and R300, and all after dark. As winter approaches, we will step up our pedestrian education efforts and it is hoped that our planned additional deployments along the N2 for the new financial year could also assist in driving down the number of pedestrians crossing the road illegally,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 2 086 incidents over the Easter long weekend – a 23% drop from the 2 725 incidents in 2024.
This included 910 medical calls, 37 fire incidents, 125 cases of assault, 50 domestic violence cases and 54 road accidents.
In general enforcement, the City’s agencies made 273 arrests and issued 60 587 fines for various offences – compared to 305 last year, and 62 710 fines issued.
Drunk driving arrests increased slightly from 25 to 28.
The City’s Traffic Service arrested 27 motorists in the past week – 20 for driving under the influence and seven for various other offences.
Officers also executed 997 warrants of arrest, impounded 216 vehicles and recorded 48 921 offences.
Operation Exodus, which focuses on vehicle and driver fitness in the long distance transport industry saw 562 vehicles undergoing checks, up from 487 in 2024.
The Law Enforcement Department arrested 196 suspects and issued 6 521 notices for various by-law transgressions.
Metro Police officers made 50 arrests, including eight for drunk driving, issued 2 334 fines for various traffic and by-law transgressions and confiscated 12 firearms.
In their most recent success, officers teamed up with SAPS at approximately 17:00 on Monday, 21 April and arrested a 28-year-old suspect for the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
They responded to a tip off of guns being sold in the parking lot of a shopping centre in Hanover Park.
Officers recovered two pistols and seven rounds of ammunition. The suspect was detained at Philippi East SAPS.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
