The period under review includes the New Year’s weekend, which, in spite of the lifting of the curfew, was not overly busy, if the statistics are anything to go by.
The City’s Public Emergency Call Centre recorded a drop in calls over the New Year’s weekend (4 653), compared to the same period last year when 5 393 calls were recorded.
In addition, the Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic Services recorded 156 arrests in the past week. During the same period last year, there were 75 arrests.
‘To be fair, a year ago we had a 21:00 curfew, and public amenities were closed. So, it’s difficult to compare. The drop in calls to our Public Emergency Communication Centre is interesting, but it’s difficult to pinpoint the reasons. I think one can reasonably assume that while many people took full advantage of the curfew being lifted, others played it safe and continued with their low-key festive season celebrations.
‘A key indicator for the City over this period is our alcohol confiscations from public spaces. Our Liquor Unit is still receiving alcohol at the pound, and once everything has been tallied, we’ll share those totals,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In the past week, the City’s Metro Police Department made 54 arrests and issued 1 837 fines for traffic and bylaw transgressions.
In the early hours of this morning, Monday, 3 January 2022, security company staff spotted a Silver Renault Megane, used in a house robbery and alerted the City’s Cyclops centre. CCTV operators located the vehicle in Sea Point and dispatched the Metro Police Camera Response Unit and SAPS. A high speed chase ensued, and the vehicle was finally stopped at the corner of Jakes Gerwel and Voortrekker Road in Goodwood. Four suspects were arrested – two of whom were in possession of machetes.
On Saturday, 1 January 2022 at 02:10, a Metro Police CCTV Operator noticed three suspects kicking a male who was lying on the ground in the CBD. The CCID responded to the scene to assist the victim. Meanwhile, officers attached to the Camera Response Unit were dispatched and apprehended two suspects for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
On Thursday, 30 December 2021, at 10:30, Metro Police officers were conducting crime prevention patrols in Kensington, when they received a tip about the whereabouts of a suspect wanted for murder. They followed up, and arrested the 19-year-old at a house in the area.
The City’s Law Enforcement Department made 70 arrests and issued 2 938 fines, while their Traffic counterparts made 32 arrests, impounded 15 vehicles, 43 cell phones and issued 39 272 fines.
Among those arrested were 25 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Source: City Of Cape Town