Weekly arrest stats hit a high
09 March 2026
The City’s enforcement agencies made 446 arrests during operations and patrols in the past week – the highest tally in a single week so far this year. They also issued 65 141 fines for various transgressions.
Law Enforcement officers made 259 arrests in the past week and issued 10 113 fines for various transgressions.
On Sunday, 8 March, LEAP officers conducting hotspot patrols in Gugulethu recovered an AK-47 assault rifle.
Officers spotted an individual carrying a blue bag – he ran away when they approached him, and when he was caught, officers found the rifle in the bag.
‘This is the third rifle that LEAP officers have recovered in the last eight months. They recovered a rifle in Philippi East in August last year, and another in Gugulethu last June – just days after a mass shooting in the area. Add to that the five firearms that Metro Police officers recovered in the past week and we are right back to the question of how these firearms flow onto our streets so easily, and why no meaningful steps have been taken to address it,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Metro Police made 150 arrests, including 44 for driving under the influence of alcohol and issued 4 386 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.
They also recovered five firearms, two imitation firearms, 59 rounds of ammunition and various quantities of mandrax and tik.
On the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 37 suspects – 28 for driving under the influence, five for reckless and negligent driving and four on various other charges.
They also recorded 50 642 offences, impounded 150 public transport vehicles and executed 1 550 warrants of arrest.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre received 1 348 requests for assistance – 474 medical incidents including 81 cases of assault; 36 cases of domestic violence, 51 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents and 297 by-law complaints.
The public can report any emergencies or transgressions to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
