Weekly arrests increase by 40%
12 January 2026
The City’s enforcement agencies made 338 arrests this past week, up from 241 the week before. They also recovered at least five firearms – one abandoned in a wheelie bin and another buried underneath a shack.
In the most recent confiscation on Sunday, 11 January, Freeway Management System camera operators alerted Metro Police officers to a suspected firearm being hidden behind an informal structure in District Six.
Officers responded and conducted a search, which came up empty. With the assistance of a SAPS K9, officers recovered .38 special revolver and four rounds of live ammunition underneath the structure. They took six suspects into custody.
On Saturday, LEAP officers recovered two weapons in Hanover Park.
Officers responded to a shooting incident at 08:32 and during their search of the area, discovered a 9mm pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition that had been discarded in a wheelie bin.
Later that same day, officers responded to shots fired at 19:55 and found a 41-year-old man in possession of a revolver and live rounds.
‘It’s a new year, but we continue to face many of the same challenges around gun violence and the proliferation of illegal firearms in our city. Every weapon confiscated is potentially a crime, or several crimes prevented and lives saved, and our staff will continue removing firearms from our streets. But the same question remains – when will we see concrete steps in identifying and shutting down the illegal firearm supply lines that contribute to the ongoing terror in so many of our communities?’, said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In general enforcement efforts, Metro Police officers made 97 arrests, including 51 for the possession of drugs. They also issued 2 881 traffic and by-law fines.
Law Enforcement Officers made 208 arrests and issued 10 786 notices.
On the roads, Traffic Officers recorded 35 954 offences, impounded 105 public transport vehicles and executed 1 138 warrants of arrest.
Officers made 33 arrests, of which 23 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless and negligent driving and six for various other offences.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre received 1 562 calls for assistance this past weekend. This included 529 calls for medical assistance, 66 cases of assault, 38 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, 207 noise complaints and 38 reports of domestic violence.
The public is reminded to please report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700, and to provide detailed information such as the time, exact address and a short description.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
