The City’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police departments arrested 267 suspects and issued 83 909 fines during weekly enforcement operations. The successful arrests included 110 suspects for the illegal possession and selling of drugs.
Metro Police officers arrested 146 suspects, of which 65 were for the illegal possession and selling of drugs. Other arrests included fire arms related crimes, domestic violence, property and commercial crimes, among others. Officers also issued 4 712 fines during weekly enforcement operations.
On Sunday morning, 20 February 2022, officers on patrol received information of three suspects approaching a vehicle with a firearm on the Spine Road on ramp to the N2. The suspects were hiding in the bush when they were about to approach the vehicle.
When the officers arrived on scene, the suspects fled in different directions. Officers managed to arrest an 18-year-old suspect and found a 9mm imitation pistol in his possession. The suspect was detained at Site B, Khayelitsha South African Police Service(SAPS).
On the same day, officers on patrol received information of suspects smoking illegal substances on the corner of Lower Plain and Strand street, Cape Town. Officers searched the suspects and found an imitation firearm. A distraught female on the scene informed officers that the suspect had walked towards her and displayed the firearm by lifting up his shirt. The suspect was about to rob her when the officers arrived. The officers arrested the 38-year-old suspect for possession of an imitation firearm. Officers also arrested a 24-year suspect for possession of dangerous weapons – two knives were found on the suspect. Both suspects were detained at Cape Town Central SAPS.
CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICES
Officers arrested 59 suspects, impounded 177 vehicles, 162 cell phones and issued 74 468 fines during weekly patrols throughout the metropole. The fines issued increased with 2 183 as opposed to the previous week.
The Transport Enforcement Unit conducted enforcement operations and arrested seven suspects, impounded 120 vehicles and issued 4 745 fines for vehicle safety related offences.
During a traffic enforcement operation in Mitchells Plain on Friday, 18 February 2022, officers arrested seven suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol and issued 152 fines for traffic safety offences.
On Sunday, 20 February 2022, officers arrested two suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol and three for the possession of stolen goods in the Mitchells Plain and Athlone area.
On the same day, officers arrested seven suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol in the Philippi East area.
On Saturday, 19 February 2022, officers conducted an illegal street racing operation in Mitchells Plain, where they arrested nine suspects, seven for driving under the influence of alcohol and two for reckless and negligent driving.
LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Officers made 62 arrests in the past week, of which 45 were arrests for the illegal possession and selling of drugs. Officers also issued 4729 fines.
On Sunday, 20 February 2022, members of the Reaction Team were called for assistance in Broadlands Park with ongoing gang violence between rival gangs. Officers followed up on information received of a suspect involved in a shooting incident earlier on the same day and that the firearm was hidden at the suspect’s residence. During the search of the residence, officers found a Taurus 38 special revolver and live ammunition.
The suspect, aged 33, was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and detained at Strand SAPS. Detectives are investigating the possible link between the firearm and a murder that took place earlier that day.
‘Our officers once again proved that following up on information timeously increase the chances of making a successful arrest. The community is our eyes and ears and the information shared will always be followed up. The 267 arrests made by the City’s enforcement agencies shows that our officers are consistent in our crime prevention initiatives. Confiscating illegal firearms and ammunition as well as dangerous weapons, often stop a serious crime about to happen. We will continue with our enforcement operations, including the important support role to the South African Police Service,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Source: City Of Cape Town