The breakthrough in a case of theft of City property was one of numerous successes in the last week that resulted in 70 arrests and 110 vehicle impoundments, amongst others.

Cape Town Traffic impounded a vehicle in Pelican Park last Friday for safekeeping, after finding a stolen traffic light battery installed in the vehicle.

In recent weeks, at least 36 batteries forming part of the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems at intersections have been stolen in areas including Tokai, Ottery, Grassy Park and Wynberg areas.

While the City has experienced sporadic incidents in the past, this wave of incidents are of concern.

On Friday 28 February 2020, traffic officers received a tip-off that led them to a house in Pelican Park.

A person on the premises gave them permission to search two vehicles parked there one of which had been fitted with a UPS battery that was positively identified as belonging to the City.

Officers then impounded the vehicle as evidence.

The City is aware that at least some of the batteries may have been sold to scrap dealers.

‘Selfish acts like these bedevil service delivery and cause endless frustration for honest, hardworking residents, particularly with the intermittent load-shedding that has become commonplace. The bright sparks behind the theft of these batteries are causing the same economic sabotage as those who steal copper cabling and other critical infrastructure, and should be charged accordingly.

‘We are in the process of further securing our UPS systems to prevent further losses. The City appeals to anyone with information about the theft of these batteries and any other critical infrastructure to please report it to the police or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In other instances of infrastructure theft and vandalism, the Law Enforcement Department’s Rail Enforcement Unit arrested 13 suspects in the last week in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act.

Law Enforcement made a further eight arrests for possession of drugs in various areas, taking their arrest tally for the week to 21.

The Cape Town Traffic Service made 27 arrests for drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. Officers also impounded 109 taxis and issued 4 748 fines for various transgressions.

The Metro Police Department made 29 arrests for various offences, and issued 1 561 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.

Source: City Of Cape Town