After the disappointment of losing their seesaw, children in Ravensmead can now rest easy knowing the man who stole it from a local park will soon be sentenced. The person convicted of stealing the park furniture will be sentenced in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court.
800 kilograms
This is just one of the 88 arrests made by the City of Cape Town’s Metal Theft Unit in the 10 months between July 2025 and April 2026. The unit recovered more than a kilometre of stolen cable and more than 800 kilograms of stolen metal. Staff completed 5 979 patrols in hotspot areas, 1 257 scrapyard compliance inspections, responded to 423 complaints from the public and issued 3 095 fines for various by-law transgressions.
In recent years, the unit, like many others in the City’s safety and security directorate, has started using technology like CCTV, drones and thermal imagery to amplify their operations and cover more ground, particularly in more rural landscapes.
“We are confident that the near 30% increase in hotspot patrols has prevented acts of criminality, protecting essential infrastructure in the process. But our staff monitor the entire pipeline, including keeping scrap dealers honest. Anyone found without proper registration or contravening any of the applicable legislation is closed upon inspection. It is a mammoth undertaking for staff who have to do inspections of these premises, proactively patrol known hotspots and respond to hundreds of public complaints,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
Bucket Shops
Scrap metal dealers are generally formal businesses, trading on a large scale in an area zoned for business. Bucket shops are registered dealers that tend to trade in suburbs from residential properties. Since July 2025, the Metal Theft Unit has closed 42 scrap metal dealers and 94 bucket shops upon inspection.
Reasons for closure include continued non-compliance with applicable legislation, where they are found guilty of an offence, or for failing to register as a second-hand goods dealer or metal recycler.
The public can report suspected illegal scrap dealers or illicit activities via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700. Anonymous tips can be submitted via 0800 110 077.
“Public assistance is critical in clamping down on the illegal trade in metals, so if you see something, please report it, no matter how big or small. In one of the most recent cases before court, there was a theft conviction for stealing a seesaw from a park in Ravensmead. So, justice does come around in some cases,” said Smith.
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