Cape Town’s Crime Surge: Massive spike in arrests and fines
Cape Town law enforcement has stepped up its efforts in fighting crime, resulting in a 34% rise in arrests and fines over the past week, with a total of 326 arrests and 58,579 fines issued.
Among those arrested were two individuals arrested for a persistent issue of copper cable theft in the city. In the early hours of Saturday, September 7, officers from the Metal Theft Unit arrested a 32-year-old man in Kuilsriver, a known hotspot for such activity.
The suspect was found along Stellenbosch Arterial with two lengths of stolen street light copper cables and tools used to cut and strip the wires, including a hacksaw, pliers, and a garden fork. He was taken into custody at Belhar SAPS.
Later that day, a 34-year-old woman was arrested in Mitchells Plain on AZ Berman Drive. She was found with three meters of street light cable and a side cutter. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenge of copper theft, which disrupts essential services in the city.
The crackdown extended beyond cable theft. On September 6, traffic officers in Wetton discovered ammunition and thousands of Rands in a vehicle, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
A routine check of a vehicle revealed a passenger carrying Pistol and additional ammunition. The arrest was made by the SAPS Flying Squad officers.
Alderman JP Smith, a member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, praised the city’s efforts in catching criminals. “The increase in arrests bears testament to the efforts of our staff on the ground, but also serve as a reminder that criminals are relentless.
“We will continue to work closely with the South African Police Service in sharing technology and resources so that our combined efforts can make a meaningful impact in reducing crime rates. Apart from crime prevention duties, our staff also play a crucial role in assisting at major events,” he said.
Cape Town’s traffic officers issued over 51,000 fines, arrested 30 drivers, and issued 1,653 arrest warrants. Other violations included driving under the influence, reckless driving, possession of stolen vehicles, false documentation, and assaulting law enforcement officers. In addition, 188 public transport vehicles were impounded.
Law enforcement teams in the city were active over the past week, with the City's unit making 236 arrests and Metro Police making 60 and issuing 3,620 fines respectively. The Public Emergency Communication Centre handled 1,424 calls over the weekend, 108 of which were assault-related.
The City of Cape Town is prioritising public safety in high-crime areas and even at events such as the Springboks versus All Blacks rugby match at Cape Town Stadium this past weekend.
"Our staff also play a crucial role in assisting at major events. Their efforts were on display in the Cape Town stadium precinct and surrounds this weekend, during the big rugby match between the Springboks and All Blacks, with no major incidents reported,“ JP Smith said.
IOL