A Hout Bay man (69) who was drinking in public was arrested after Law Enforcement officers discovered 1 848 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and R17 600 in cash in his vehicle – one of 406 arrests made by City enforcement agencies during the past week.

Law Enforcement officers attached to the Marine Unit were on patrol in the Hout Bay and Wynberg area on Sunday, 7 June, when they noticed people drinking in a parking area near Victoria Hospital.

During a search of a white Mitsubishi, officers found the crayfish tails and cash. The Hout Bay resident was arrested and detained at Wynberg police station.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the incident highlights the audacity of lawbreakers in the city.

“How else does one explain openly breaking the law by consuming alcohol in public, knowing that you are in possession of contraband? This was a very good bust which our Law Enforcement officers can be incredibly proud of, but so too the incident in Diep River where Metro Police officers on routine patrol recovered several firearms,” Smith said.

He called on the police to investigate the matter to the full extent of the law and to secure a conviction for the possession of illegal firearms.

“The SAPS and NPA need to break this cycle of suspects arrested for illegal firearms walking free. We will never win this war by constantly catching and releasing criminals. They need to be convicted,” Smith said.

Firearm recoveries

In the early hours of Friday, 5 June, LEAP officers in Delft arrested a suspect for possession of an unlicenced firearm and 11 live rounds of ammunition.

The following evening, Metro Police officers recovered two firearms and an imitation firearm during a routine stop in Main Road, Diep River.

Officers stopped a white Toyota Quantum occupied by the driver and two passengers. While interviewing the occupants, officers noticed a firearm between the front seats and conducted further searches.

They recovered an extended magazine, a second firearm, the imitation firearm and 29 live rounds of ammunition.

Three suspects, aged between 36 and 38, were handed over to Diep River SAPS for further investigation.

Weekly enforcement statistics

During weekly enforcement patrols, Law Enforcement officers made 199 arrests and issued 10 797 notices.

Metro Police officers made 166 arrests and issued 5 845 notices.

Traffic officers recorded 41 arrests, of which 34 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless or negligent driving and three for other offences. They also issued 1 764 warrants of arrest and impounded 219 public transport vehicles.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 439 calls for assistance over the weekend. Of the calls received, 87 were physical assault related cases, 35 domestic violence related cases and 43 pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.

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