The City’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested 293 suspects and issued 60 236 fines during weekly (20 – 26 February 2023) enforcement operations. Swift action by Metro Police officers averted a hijacking of a motorist in Mitchells Plain.
On Sunday, 26 February 2023 Metro Police officers travelling on Highlands Drive, Mitchells Plain towards the intersection at Jakes Gerwel Drive noticed an elderly man jumping out of his blue VW Golf hatchback trying to get their attention. He shouted that he had been hijacked and needed assistance. The man informed the officers that three suspects had attempted to hijack his vehicle and one had beaten him over the head with an unknown object. He pointed at one of the suspects who ran into an oncoming vehicle when he saw the officers approaching. As he fell down, a black bag fell under the vehicle.
Officers managed to apprehend the suspect and discovered a firearm in the bag. The 23-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted hijacking. Both the victim and suspect were transported to Mitchells Plain Day Hospital for medical assistance by an ambulance. The suspect was detained at Lentegeur SAPS.
On Saturday, 25 February 2023 officers from the Special Operations Unit reacted to a complaint received by the metro control room of a man selling drugs on the corners of Station and Main Road, Wynberg. When officers approached the suspect, he threw a packet under one of the stalls. Officers found eight mandrax tablets in the packet and a further search led them to the discovery of R2 007.
The man, aged 46, was arrested for dealing in drugs and possession of mandrax. He was detained at Wynberg SAPS.
In the past week, Metro Police officers arrested 53 suspects and issued 2 707 fines. Of those arrested, 18 were for the illegal sale and/or possession of drugs
TRAFFIC SERVICE
Traffic officers recorded 54 332 offences and arrested 52 suspects – 35 for driving under the influence of alcohol and four for reckless and negligent driving. Other transgressions which led to arrests included false documentation, stolen vehicle and assault on an officer. Officers also impounded 287 public transport vehicles and executed 1 047 warrants of arrest.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law Enforcement officers conducted 480 operations, during which they made 188 arrests and issued 3 202 fines.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTRE (PECC)
The PECC recorded 1 979 incidents, which included 749 medical related calls of which 116 were physical assault incidents. The centre also dealt with 79 fire related calls and 36 motor vehicle accidents.
'Our weekly enforcement efforts show a consistent arrest rate week-on-week as officers patrol the roads and communities. The number of hijackings seems to be on the increase and our officers will prioritise hotspot areas during patrols. Apart from our weekly enforcement successes officers were on duty at two major international events over the weekend with no significant incidents reported. This once again showed that we have the capacity to host world class events,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the PECC on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Source: City Of Cape Town