The City’s law enforcement agencies have ramped up operations, resulting in a staggering 231 arrests over the past week and the issuance of 40,496 notices for various traffic and by-law offences, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This spike in enforcement coincides with heightened concerns over road safety and crime, as authorities continue to crack down on illegal activities across the region.
Among the notable incidents, Metro Police officers apprehended three suspects in Philippi following a dangerous high-speed chase.
The pursuit began when officers on Varkensvlei Road spotted a vehicle reported stolen from Mitchells Plain. Ignoring instructions to pull over, the driver fled, driving erratically and endangering the safety of other road users.
During the chase, which led officers past the Siqalo Informal Settlement and onto major arterial routes, suspects brandished a firearm at the pursuing officers, leading them to return fire. The chase ultimately ended on Old Lansdowne Road, where the suspects attempted to flee on foot.
Despite their efforts, authorities successfully detained the suspects, aged 33, 41, and 45. Officers recovered two unregistered 9mm pistols, various blank and live rounds of ammunition, and an imitation firearm from the suspects’ vehicle. Furthermore, two victims identified the suspects as their assailants in recent robberies.
Mayco for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith praised the swift actions of the officers but lamented the reluctance of one of the victims to file formal charges.
‘These suspects were incredibly brazen in their actions, but our officers had the last word. Only one of the two complainants filed criminal charges, which is a pity. While the reluctance is understandable, these suspects will face fewer charges and likely shorter jail terms if convicted,’ Smith noted.
He also urged motorists to report stolen vehicles promptly to improve recovery chances and prevent further criminal acts.
In addition to the arrests made by Metro Police, the Law Enforcement Department recorded 141 arrests and issued 8,043 notices for various offences during the same period.
Traffic officers were particularly active, arresting 13 motorists for ethanol-induced driving and two for reckless driving, while documenting a shocking 29,830 traffic offences. They also impounded 157 public transport vehicles and executed more than 1,200 warrants of arrest.
Over the weekend, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) reported 1,612 incidents, including alarming figures of 80 assaults, 36 domestic violence cases, and 47 motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents, further highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety.
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Picture: Supplied
Source: City of Cape Town
