Highway Patrol officers stopped a vehicle at the N2 weighbridge in Somerset West yesterday, and found four illegal firearms and a substantial quantity of ammunition. Four of the occupants were arrested, while a fifth suspect fled the scene. They are among 199 arrests made by City enforcement departments this past week. 

The four men were taken to Somerset West Police Station.
 
The recovery of the weapons comes after 22 firearms were taken off the street last week.
 
‘I want to commend the Highway Patrol officers for their vigilance. Their sharp observation skills led to more illegal guns being taken out of circulation, and possibly fewer crimes committed or lives destroyed. The influx of weapons, including more and more automatic and semi-automatic assault rifles, remains deeply concerning and it’s one of the reasons we have long called for better and more aggressive policing along the metro’s borders to curb the smuggling of firearms into the Metro,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
 
City enforcement departments are also assisting the South African Police Service at the Nyanga Public Transport Interchange to ensure the safety of commuters.
 
‘The Safety and Security Directorate is committed to doing everything within our power to assist SAPS and ensure our roads are safe for everyone who uses them. We are working with the Western Cape Government and all other role players to defuse the tension in the industry and find viable and long-lasting solutions.
 
‘We call on the taxi industry to work with government to find answers without any further disruption to exams, businesses and vital services like the airport. Until we’re satisfied that complete calm has returned, our departments will continue with visibility and patrols of routes, ranks and stations,’ added Alderman Smith.
 
In general enforcement over the past week, Traffic Officers arrested 70 suspects, 53 for drunk driving, seven for reckless and negligent driving, and 10 on other charges. They executed 2 076 warrants, impounded 118 public transport vehicles, and issued 46 511 fines.
 
Their Metro Police counterparts arrested 105 suspects, recovered eight hijacked and/or stolen vehicles, four firearms and 63 rounds of ammunition, and issued 4 445 fines for various transgressions.
 
Law Enforcement officers made 24 arrests and issued 7 405 notices.
 
The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 3 166 calls, including 202 physical assault-related incidents, 89 domestic violence cases and 95 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Call agents also dealt with 576 noise nuisance complaints.
 
The public is reminded to report incidents and emergencies, or any suspicious and/or criminal activities, to the PECC on 021 480 7700, or to log by-law and traffic-related complaints using the Safety and Security feature on the City App.