Law enforcement agencies across Cape Town recorded a notable drop in emergency incidents during the first weekend of 2026, while police units continued successful operations against crime in communities across the metropole.
The City of Cape Town’s Public Emergency Communication Centre dispatched assistance to 1 322 incidents between Friday and Sunday (2-4 January), representing a significant 28.5% decrease compared to the previous weekend’s 1 850 incidents.
“The downturn was quite noticeable compared to both the New Year’s period and the previous weekend – an indication that in some respects, certainly, the festivities ended fairly quickly,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
Key statistical categories showed marked improvements, with assault cases dropping to 57, motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents to 26, and noise complaints to 153.
Major drug and firearm arrests
Despite the calmer weekend, law enforcement agencies maintained their vigilance with significant arrests and seizures. Police made 241 arrests and issued 62 929 fines during the past week.
Constable Ndakhe Gwala, says on Sunday, 4 January, the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team made a significant arrest in Gugulethu, NY151, where a 62-year-old man was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with nine rounds of ammunition, 538 mandrax tablets, and R6 620 in cash. The suspect faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of drugs, and dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
The same day saw successful operations by SAPS Lockdown III members across multiple areas:
Vehicle recovery in Elsies River: Police recovered a stolen green Hyundai Accent at Lew Mew flats in the Bishop Lavis policing precinct. The vehicle had been stolen from Parow.
Firearm arrest in Mitchells Plain: A 44-year-old man was arrested in Drankensberg Street, Tafelsig, for possession of a replica firearm and ammunition.
Drug bust in Wesbank: Police arrested a 29-year-old man in Gelvandale Street for possession of drugs including tik and mandrax.
Continued enforcement efforts
Throughout the weekend, various law enforcement agencies maintained their presence across the city:
Metro Police officers made 96 arrests, including 40 for drug possession, and issued 2 245 notices for traffic and by-law offences. On Saturday, 3 January, officers recovered two firearms in Hanover Park in separate incidents, with two suspects aged 20 and 38 detained at Philippi police station.
Law Enforcement Officers contributed 115 arrests and issued 5 594 fines, while traffic officers recorded 55 090 offences, impounded 85 public transport vehicles and executed 642 warrants of arrest. Of the 30 arrests made by traffic officers, 26 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Community cooperation urged
Smith emphasized that while arrests and other indicators measure success, equally important are “the hundreds or thousands of incidents prevented through proactive patrols and assistance, whether that be point duty or assisting stranded motorists and visible patrols in communities, at public amenities and events.”
