Cape Town - Metro police and the City’s Law Enforcement officers have arrested 315 suspects and issued 73 500-plus fines.
Despite these numbers, Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said he hoped that individuals would come forward and help with addressing crime in their areas.
The City said among the 315 suspects arrested, 65 were taken into custody for driving under the influence of alcohol during weekly enforcement operations.
Officers issued 73 539 fines, while the Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 741 incidents over the weekend, with a marked drop in interpersonal violence cases and motor vehicle accidents.
“In the past week alone, during general enforcement patrols, metro police officers arrested 47 suspects, including three for driving under the influence. Other arrests included contact, property, commercial, drug and firearm-related offences. Officers also issued 3 796 fines,” the City reported.
“On Sunday evening, officers attached to the Gang and Drug Task Team were tipped off about drug dealing and illegal firearms being kept at a house in Hanover Park.
“On arrival, officers noticed a suspect in front of the premises, who discarded a plastic bag as he saw them approaching. They conducted a search and recovered a zip gun and 38 units of Unga in his possession. The 27-year-old was detained at Philippi SAPS.”
“Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 200 arrests and issued 3653 fines.”
Furthermore, on the roads, the City’s traffic officers issued 66 090 fines and arrested 68 suspects, with 62 being for driving under the influence of alcohol, and six for reckless and negligent driving. Officers also executed 1133 warrants of arrest and impounded 177 public transport vehicles.
Smith said: “We continue to be faced with massive challenges in the fight against crime, but what is very encouraging is how many of our successes can be attributed to information shared by members of the public.
“We often talk about shared responsibility, and public safety is definitely the one area where a partnership between communities and the enforcement agencies is key. As we continue to act on these tips, and get the results, we hope that it will encourage others to come forward too, and help us address crime in their areas,” Smith said.