Weekly arrest tally clocks 500+
22 June 2026
The City’s enforcement agencies arrested 527 suspects in a single week – a first for the Safety and Security Directorate. Drunk driving arrests also hit triple digits, at 103 between Metro Police and their Traffic counterparts. Unfortunately, the successes were marred by at least two attacks on staff members.
In the past week, Law Enforcement officers made 321 arrests and issued 14 341 notices.
Officers also recovered two firearms, an imitation firearm used in a robbery, as well as 400 mandrax tablets and 96 packets of tik.
In an eventful week for Metro Police, officers arrested 150 people, including 56 for drunk driving and issued 11 138 notices. Officers also recovered one imitation firearm, two 9mm firearms and 27 live rounds of ammunition.
‘Unfortunately, we had at least two incidents over the weekend where Metro Police officers came under attack in the execution of their duties. These incidents, on both enforcement and rescue services staff members, have sadly become all too common, but we cannot allow it to go unchecked. Our officers are on the frontline keeping the streets safe for all our residents. Instead, they have now become the targets.
‘Violence against law enforcement cannot be justified and is an attack on the safety of our residents. I call on the communities of Atlantis and Manenberg to help us with information that can help us track and arrest those who attacked our staff. The City can pay a reward for any information that leads to an arrest, so please call 021 480 7700. Help us make your community safer,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On Saturday, 20 June, Metro Police officers came under fire in Manenberg, while responding to reports of gunfire. They returned fire, wounding two of the suspects who were later apprehended at local facilities, where they were seeking medical attention.
In Macassar, on Sunday, 21 June, officers came under attack from community members while arresting a suspect found in possession of drugs and a dangerous weapon.
Two officers were treated for minor injuries and the suspect was transported to Macassar SAPS.
Meanwhile, the City’s Traffic Officers arrested 56 suspects – 47 for driving under the influence of alcohol, seven for reckless and negligent driving and two more on various other charges.
Officers recorded 4 435 offences, impounded 133 public transport vehicles and executed 884 warrants of arrest.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 288 incidents over the weekend – 520 were medical in nature; 70 assault calls; 318 were by-law offences and 32 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
Residents are reminded to report criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
