CITY OF CAPE TOWN | 11 MAY 2020 | MEDIA RELEASE
The City’s Metro Police and Traffic Service Departments made a total of 23 arrests on a range of charges, including possession of drugs, attempted murder, theft and contravening the National Disaster Act. Read more below:
‘There continue to be far too many people on the roads, in violation of the lockdown regulations, or dabbling in criminal activity. The fact that we are dealing with a very serious pandemic appears to have been lost on them, and they are making life difficult for enforcement agencies who are stretched with the many demands on their resources. We will show no mercy to those who are breaking the law. The safety of our communities during COVID-19 is paramount and we stay committed to getting criminals off the street, said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Among the enforcement successes, on Saturday, 9 May 2020 members of the City’s Metro Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU) were busy with crime prevention patrols in Athlone, where officers stopped a vehicle during routine inspection. The driver of the vehicle appeared nervous and officers decided to search the vehicle. Officers found 100 grams of high grade dagga, one packet of tik and a cash amount of R12 970. Two suspects, aged 24 and 32 were arrested for dealing in drugs and were detained at Athlone SAPS.
On the N7, officers attached to the TRU pulled over a motorist for reckless driving. The vehicle was searched and officers found 5.3 grams of Cocaine, 21.2 grams of crack cocaine and a cash amount of R1 360. The suspect was arrested for possession of drugs and was detained at Bothasig SAPS. .
Metro Police Officers in Delft had their hands full when a suspect reversed into a patrol vehicle, tried to run over officers with his vehicle and fled the scene of the accident. The 37-year-old suspect was arrested for attempted murder, malicious damage to property, fleeing the scene of an accident and failing to comply with a lawful instruction of a Peace Officer. The suspect was also charged for transgression of the National Disaster Act and resisting arrest.
In general enforcement operations done throughout the city, Traffic Officers made five arrests and impounded three vehicles. Officers also issued 2 950 fines for various traffic infringements and 674 motorists were charged in terms of the National Disaster Act.
‘I would like to thank our officers who are on the frontline during these challenging times. Not only do they have to bring criminals to book, but they are also protecting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by seeing to it that people stay at home and off the streets if they do not have the necessary documentation to travel or go to work. Residents have the opportunity to assist our officers in safe guarding our communities by reporting any suspicious behavior, including those who are wandering around. We will renew our efforts and shift our patrols based on intelligence. We need to stay focused in keeping our communities safe during this crucial time,’ added Alderman Smith.
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town