A suspected arsonist, a woman in possession of drugs and unmarked casino chips, and a taxi driver who offered officers a bribe, were among the 200 people arrested by the City of Cape Town’s enforcement departments in the past week. Officers also issued more than 80 000 fines.
‘Officers had a busy weekend. They confiscated several firearms along with a large amount of drugs. Half of those arrested by our Traffic Service have been drivers under the influence, while Metro Police also arrested their fair share of drunk drivers. Our festive season is marred annually by an increase in road deaths and I encourage drivers to be responsible. You know ahead of time if you’re going to drink, so before you leave for your evening out, ensure that there’s a designated driver. Don’t get behind the wheel drunk and dice with death,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On Friday 26 November, Metro Police officers arrested a suspect for arson in Athlone.
The officers followed up on a complaint about the whereabouts of a suspect who set his neighbour’s premises alight the previous day and found him sleeping in his backyard on the ground. The 38-year-old was arrested and taken to Athlone police station
Members of the Gang and Drug Task Team followed up on information on Thursday, 25 November, which led to a house in Princess Alice Street Brooklyn.
While searching the premises, officers discovered 69 packets of dagga, two scales, empty plastic packets and an undisclosed amount of unmarked casino chips.
A 38-year-old woman was arrested for the possession of dagga.
The chips, which requires a licence to produce, were booked in as part of the docket for further investigation.
City Traffic Service officers arrested 46 suspects, including 23 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 11 for reckless driving. They also impounded 116 vehicles, 169 cell phones and issued 77 562 fines for various other offences.
An officer on patrol in Athlone on Thursday, 25 November, saw a taxi disregard a red light on Jakes Gerwel Drive and pulled over the vehicle.
The driver asked the officer if there was a way to prevent receiving a fine.
When the offer was declined, the taxi driver opened the passenger door of the patrol vehicle and threw two R50 notes on the front passenger seat.
The driver walked back to his taxi and the officer arrested him for bribery.
Law Enforcement officers made 59 arrests of which 39 were for drug possession.
‘The silly season is gaining momentum and our officers will be out ensuring that wilful negligence and disregard for the law, does not lead to the unnecessary loss of life. I call on our communities and road users to do their part to make this a festive season with as few incidents as possible,’ said Alderman Smith.
Source: City Of Cape Town