Vehicle recoveries a timely reminder about driving safety
23 March 2026
The Metro Police Department recovered four hijacked and stolen vehicles in the past week. These successes are a reminder to road users to be alert at all times
In the past week, City enforcement agencies made 372 arrests and issued 72 772 fines.
Metro Police officers were responsible for 108 of those arrests. They also recovered various quantities of drugs and four stolen vehicles.
On Wednesday, 18 March 2026 officers responded to information received about a white Hyundai that was hijacked by seven armed suspects in the Lingelethu area. The vehicle was found abandoned in Qandu Qandu Informal Settlement.
On the same day, officers also responded to a report of a hijacked vehicle in Delft South. They recovered the car with assistance from the tracking company, but the owner did not want to open a case.
On Monday, 16 March, officers recovered a white VW Polo sedan in Grassy Park – the vehicle had been hijacked at Graceland informal settlement in Khayelitsha. A 32-year-old male was arrested for the possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
On Sunday, 15 March, officers on patrol in Clovelly arrested four suspects between the ages of 27 and 60 for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and property. The suspects were detained at Fish Hoek SAPS.
‘Metro Police officers also recovered another hijacked vehicle a few weeks ago, taking their tally of recovered vehicles to over 30 for the current financial year. Stolen or hijacked vehicles are very often used to perpetrate other crimes, or for parts or illegal resale. It’s therefore critical that every incident is reported, and that vehicle owners pursue charges so that these cases may be investigated and those responsible brought to book. It is also a reminder to the public to please be vigilant at all times, keep their doors and windows locked and to keep safe following and stopping distances, in case they need to get out of potential harm’s way,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
For more vehicle safety tips,
visit the City's website.
In their weekly actions, Law Enforcement officers arrested 234 suspects for various offences and issued 10 078 fines during weekly enforcement patrols.
Traffic Officers arrested 30 suspects of which 27 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, two for reckless/negligent driving and one for other offences. They also recorded 57 860 offences, impounded 170 public transport vehicles and executed 807 warrants of arrest.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 251 calls for assistance this past weekend. Of the calls received, 57 were assault related cases, 42 domestic violence reports and 44 pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.
The public is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
It’s important that the caller provide detailed information, such as the time, exact address and a short description. This will assist enforcement services to respond swiftly.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
