In the past week, the City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies made 383 arrests and recorded 70 624 offences. Key among the successes were 71 motorists arrested for drunk driving, R2,7 million worth of drugs recovered by K9 Virus and at least eight hijacked vehicles recovered by the Metro Police Anti Hijacking Unit.
Busy week
In yet another busy week for the City’s enforcement agencies, Law Enforcement officers made 207 arrests and issued 6 998 fines. On Friday, 15 May, just after midnight, LEAP officers arrested a 23-year-old suspect for the possession of a firearm and three rounds of ammunition in Leiden, Delft.
Metro Police officers made 121 arrests in the past week, including several notable successes. The Anti-Hijacking Unit recovered at least eight vehicles. On Saturday, 16 May they arrested a 28-year-old suspect for possession of drugs to the value of nearly R6 500 in Heideveld. It came just days after K9 Virus led his handler to drugs to the value of R2,7 million in the parking lot at Parksig Villas in Bellville.
On Tuesday, 12 May, officers on patrol pulled over a vehicle – the driver ran away, while being questioned, into a nearby informal dwelling. Inside, officers found 29 Units of dagga and an imitation rifle. The 26-year-old man was arrested for possession of drugs and an imitation firearm.
On Monday, 11 May, they arrested four suspects in Khayelitsha on charges of extortion, kidnapping and possession of suspected stolen property. Officers made three more arrests in connection with the case in Dunoon, and recovered two prohibited firearms in the process. Metro Police officers also arrested 28 motorists for driving under the influence – elsewhere, traffic officers arrested 55 suspects – 43 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, five for reckless and negligent driving and seven for other offences. They also recorded 53 165 offences, impounded 146 public transport vehicles and executed 785 warrants of arrest.
Operational successes
“Our teams are consistently making well in excess of 300 arrests every week and while we are enthused by their operational successes, it is a constant reminder of the many challenges we face with criminality. And, since those with criminal intent are unlikely to change their ways, it requires more from the criminal justice system. Our offer to bolster the police’s investigative capabilities still stands. It is the only way to ensure seamless prosecutions and real consequences for those who insist on breaking the law,” said Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 281 calls for assistance this past weekend. Of the calls received, 57 were assault related cases and 37 were pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents. The public is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
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