Apart from 37 arrests and nearly 15 000 fines issued, the City’s enforcement staff have also been putting special emphasis on public education around safety.

Metro Police officers made 22 arrests during operations in the last week.

Officers also issued 1 992 fines for various by-law and traffic contraventions.

Those arrested face charges of assault, possession of dangerous weapons, drunk driving, and possession of illegal property and imitation firearms.

Of particular concern were four arrests in Khayelitsha on charges of domestic violence.

‘We know that domestic violence is a massive problem in many households. It is fueled by substance abuse, which unfortunately increases over this time of year and puts people at risk out and about, but also in their own homes. I encourage any person who finds themselves in an abusive situation to call for help. Our Public Emergency Communication Centre will dispatch the appropriate resources. Our City enforcement staff are trained to handle domestic violence cases and will step in if required, but they can’t if they don’t know that it is happening,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Metro Police officers also conducted various social crime prevention awareness sessions. They were joined by Alderman Smith and Executive Mayor, Dan Plato at Parow Mall on Saturday 22 December 2019.

The group distributed hundreds of pamphlets outlining various safety tips for the public, particularly over the festive season.

‘It is the function of policing agencies to keep the public safe, but civilians too have a role to play in ensuring their own safety, by being mindful of what criminals get up to and how they exploit innocent people. As we enter the last-minute pre-Christmas rush, I appeal to the public to be aware of their surroundings at all times, and to be wise to the risks like ATM fraud and robberies. Rather shop in groups, be discreet in the handling of cash, and please always keep an eye on your personal belongings,’ added Alderman Smith.

CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICE

On the road, Cape Town Traffic Service staff issued 12 751 fines for various offences. They arrested 10 motorists for driving under the influence, one for outstanding warrants and four for possession of drugs.

On Tuesday 17 December 2019, the Ghost Squad pulled over a Toyota Quantum along Tokai road at around 20:30.

The driver couldn’t produce a license or any other form of identification. Officers searched the driver and found a knife in his pocket. They then called for backup, and during a search of the vehicle, found 7 small bags of dagga, two big bags of dagga and 202 packets of tik.

The driver and three other males who were in the vehicle were arrested and detained at Kirstenhof SAPS.

Source: City Of Cape Town