City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers recovered a stolen vehicle minutes after it was taken. The owner was enjoying a day at Strand beach when his van drove past, while he still had the keys on him. His quick reaction, and that of officers, led to the recovery and the arrest of the two thieves. They were among 310 suspects arrested this past week. Read more below:

‘The hot weather the past few days did not deter criminals, who also made use of the opportunity to take their crime to the beach. The officers have to be commended for their quick reaction, but at the same time, I want to encourage residents and bathers to be vigilant at all times.

‘A day at the beach is meant to be relaxing, but this incident proves the criminals don’t take a day off. Be aware of your surroundings even while you’re enjoying the sand and the surf,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The vehicle owner was at the beach when he saw his vehicle pass him while the keys were in his possession. He immediately ran to the mobile Law Enforcement station at the beach where he was assisted by area staff and officers from the Metal Theft Unit.

Along with the owner’s two sons, the officers set off after the vehicle which was making a beeline heading for the N2 via Broadway Road.

The car thieves stopped when they saw the blue lights, jumped out and attempted to flee.

They were arrested and taken to Strand police station where they were charged with the theft of a motor vehicle and being in possession of stolen property.

METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Officers issued 3 993 fines and arrested 44 suspects on various charges including 27 for the possession of drugs and four for driving under the influence of alcohol.

On Sunday, 12 February, CCTV operators saw a fight break out among a group of men in the CBD, with one stabbing another in the neck.

Metro Police, Law Enforcement and South African Police Service members responded and the men attempted to flee.

The officers arrested six men and recovered the weapon which had been thrown on the roof of a building.

Ambulance services attended to the victim, but he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 29, were detained at Cape Town police station on a charge of murder. Valuable CCTV footage has been submitted to the SAPS investigating officer for further use by the National Prosecuting Authority.

CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICES

Officers held integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations during which 36 757 speeding offences were recorded, 27 317 fines were issued for various traffic violations.

A total of 212 public transport vehicles were impounded and 1 867 warrants of arrest were executed.

Traffic officers made 77 arrests for the following offences:

• 63 for driving under the influence of alcohol

• four for reckless and negligent driving

• 10 for other incidents such as being in possession of a stolen vehicle, false documentation, and the assault of an officer

During an integrated illegal spinning operation in Ocean View last night officers recorded 175 offences including 55 unlicensed drivers, 43 unlicensed vehicles, and 23 for the failure to wear a seat belt. During the operation, four vehicles were impounded, while four people were arrested for drunk driving and one for reckless driving.

‘Drunk driving continues to be of concern, especially when mixed with other illegal activities such as spinning. These are events which draw huge crowds and irresponsible drivers put everyone at risk. Officers will continue to clamp down to ensure our roads are safer for everyone,’ said Alderman Smith.

LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT

Law Enforcement officers made 184 arrests in the past week, with LEAP officers making 165 of these arrests.

The arrests included 123 for the possession of drugs and nine for being in possession of a dangerous weapon.

PUBLIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTRE (PECC)

The PECC recorded 2 239 incidents over the past weekend - 910 were of a medical nature. This included 159 assault incidents. There were also 55 domestic violence cases, 47 motor vehicle accidents and 20 pedestrian/vehicle accidents recorded.

Source: City Of Cape Town