The multi-million rand bust came during the execution of a search warrant on the weekend; elsewhere, drama unfolded early yesterday evening in Strand, when traffic officers were instrumental in the arrest of a hijacking and murder suspect. Read more below:
In the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 305 arrests and issued 70 666 fines.
‘There were numerous notable successes again this past week, with firearms and other contraband recovered; officers coming under fire and putting themselves in harm’s way in pursuit of public safety. Yes, it is in the job description, but it takes immense courage nonetheless, and I commend our staff members for that. These successes also speak to our ongoing investment in public safety, and the City’s commitment to supporting our local SAPS in helping to fulfil their national mandate,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officers issued 2 532 fines and arrested 96 suspects on various charges including 37 for the possession of drugs and seven for driving under the influence of alcohol.
On Saturday, 4 February 2023, just after 09:30, officers attached to the K9 Unit executed a search warrant in Bellville and arrested two suspects for the possession of abalone and crayfish, valued at approximately R3,2 million.
Officers found 6 416 units of abalone stored in three big deep freezers inside the garage, four whole crayfish, 40 crayfish tails and approximately R150 000 in cash.
The suspects, a 26-year-old male and a 23-year-old female were detained at Bellville SAPS.
CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICES
On Sunday evening, 5 February 2023, just after 21:00, a traffic officer heading home in the Strand area observed the driver of a white Ford Ranger alighting from the vehicle near a local mall, firearm in hand.
The officer was then approached by another motorist, who informed him that the armed man had tried to hijack them.
The officer called for back-up and one of his colleagues arrived to close the road and keep motorists out of harm’s way.
After a chase, that saw the suspect trying to dispose of the firearm, and also being hit by a vehicle in the process of trying to flee, SAPS officers who had also arrived on scene, apprehended him.
It soon emerged that the suspect had hijacked the owner of the Ford Ranger. Sadly, the hijacking victim’s body was found nearby after having succumbed to a gunshot wound.
‘This is a bittersweet success, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time. I commend the swift actions of the Traffic Officers involved – it likely saved lives, as it appears that the suspect had no issue with using his firearm. I hope that the criminal justice system will deal swiftly with this case, and hand down the toughest sentence possible’, added Alderman Smith.
During weekly patrols, traffic officers issued 65 020 fines and arrested 38 suspect’s of which 27 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, and ten for reckless and negligent driving. One suspect was arrested for a stolen vehicle, false documentation and assault on an officer. Officers also issued 1867 warrants of arrest and impounded 1137 public transport vehicles.
LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Law Enforcement officers made 171 arrests in the past week. In some of their most recent successes on Sunday evening, LEAP officers deployed to Delft recovered a firearm after responding to a call about a shooting in the area.
Officers located the suspect, and recovered the firearm, spent cartridges and ammunition.
In Nyanga, LEAP officers were shot at while pursuing two suspects – they apprehended one of the suspects, and recovered the firearm that had been discarded on the roof of a structure during the pursuit.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTRE (PECC)
The PECC recorded 2 212 incidents over the past weekend - 914 were of a medical nature. This included 178 physical assault incidents. There were also 54 domestic violence cases, 45 motor vehicle accidents and 21 pedestrian/vehicle accidents recorded.
Source: City Of Cape Town