The officer intervened when he came across a group of people assaulting a man accused of kidnapping in the Macassar area on Saturday, 5 March 2022.
The Metro Police officer was on his way home after his shift, when he noticed a group of people stoning an individual in Baines Naude Road.
He stopped to investigate and was informed that the man had allegedly kidnapped a one-year-old child.
The officer apprehended the suspect and questioned him about the allegation – he then also interviewed the child’s father who confirmed the allegation.
The father was advised to open a case at the local police station, and the Metro Police officer handed the 36-year-old suspect to Macassar SAPS for further investigation.
The child was safely returned to his parents.
‘Violence against women and children is arguably the biggest indictment of our society. We hear so many stories of children going missing, and often with the most horrific outcomes. While the police investigation into this matter continues, one shudders to think what might have been. I am extremely grateful that the child was found unharmed and I urge the community to let the law run its course. While we cannot condone violence against children, we also cannot tolerate mob justice. We instead should put pressure on the criminal justice system to ensure that cases are dealt with swiftly and fairly. Our staff member arrived in the nick of time and I commend him for his efforts in de-escalating the situation,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In other enforcement operations in the past week, the City’s Metro Police, Traffic Service and Law Enforcement departments arrested 245 suspects and issued 41 237 fines.
METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Metro Police officers issued 957 fines and arrested 113 suspects of which 63 arrests were for the illegal possession of drugs. The other arrests included contact related crimes, property crimes and domestic and public violence crimes.
CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICES
Traffic officers issued 36 092 fines for various road safety and traffic violations, impounded 160 public transport vehicles and executed 1 472 warrants of arrest. Officers also arrested 45 suspects, of which 20 were for driving under the influence of alcohol and 25 for reckless and negligent driving.
LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Law Enforcement officers conducted 147 enforcement operations and arrested 87 suspects for offences, which included the illegal possession of drugs and dangerous weapons, assault, theft and driving under the influence of alcohol, among others.
Officers also issued 4 188 fines during weekly operations. Law Enforcement Advancement Plan(LEAP) officers accounted for 71 of the arrests made. The Anti Land Invasion Unit conducted 77 enforcement operations.
On Friday, 4 March 2022 at 23:30, LEAP officers on patrol in Surran Road, Hanover Park saw a suspious person cycling. The suspect made a u-turn when he saw the officers. Officers caught up with the suspect in Halmans Walk, and upon searching him, found a silver Smith and Wesson high powered 45 calibre handgun in his backpack with eight live rounds in the magazine and six hollow point live rounds in his jacket pocket. The suspect was arrested and handed over to Philippi SAPS.
Residents are reminded to immediately report any suspious looking activity by phoning the City Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a cell phone.
Source: City Of Cape Town