Weekly arrests hit a repeat high

27 July 2026

The City’s enforcement agencies made 527 arrests in the past week, including 109 for driving under the influence. The overall arrest tally ties the highest on record, which occurred earlier this year.

‘The pressure on our staff is relentless, but still they deliver. The weekly arrest tallies are considerably higher than a year ago and reflect the efforts of the additional resources that have come onboard, like our Neighbourhood Safety Officers. However, every arrest is another reminder of how poorly people behave. And while the drunk driving statistics aren’t surprising, it is a source of bitter disappointment that so many people continue to put their lives and that of others in danger in this manner,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In general enforcement efforts over the past week, Law Enforcement officers made 334 arrests and issued 14 372 notices.
Their Metro Police counterparts arrested 126 suspects – including 56 for drunk driving.

Officers also recovered three illegal firearms, an imitation firearm, nine rounds of ammunition, various quantities of drugs and at least six stolen and/or hijacked vehicles.

On the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 67 suspects – 53 for drunk driving, four for reckless and negligent driving and 10 on other charges. They executed 1 722 warrants, impounded 168 public transport vehicles and issued 53 012 fines.

PECC

The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 1 206 calls for assistance this past weekend. This included 72 physical assault related incidents, 26 domestic violence cases and 46 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

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.

 End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office