Tracing operations targeting wanted suspects for sexual offences, domestic violence, and gender based violence were executed as part of women’s month activities in Cape Town on Friday, 21 August 2020 by women-led forces from various law enforcement agencies. The tracing operations started at 02:00 in the morning and were completed by midday with 42 arrests. Of the arrested suspects, twenty six (26) were for rape, 10 for sexual assault and six for assault GBH and attempted rape. From 10:00 on Friday a roadblock was mounted along Prince George Drive in Retreat. In the road block a 22 year old was arrested for possession of drugs. Several traffic fines were also issued.
The objective for the activities was crime prevention, bringing perpetrators of crime to book and much-needed awareness on crimes against women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Yolisa Matakata joined the women from SAPS, SANDF, City of Cape Town’s Metro Police and Traffic Services as well as neighbourhood watches in executing the policing activities for the day. An outreach programme to three old age homes in Steenberg and Retreat with Gift of the Givers and women representatives from the law enforcement agencies formed part of the day’s initiatives. Blankets and essential supplies were donated to the senior citizens at the Village Care Centre, Douglas Murray and Mandoline Old Age Homes.
In unrelated weekend crime operations in the Western Cape, 497 suspects were arrested for crimes such as murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and drugs as well as dealing in liquor.
Substantial quantities of cannabis, mandrax, heroine, crystal meth and liquor were confiscated. Ten illegal firearms, a smoke grenade and 70 knives/pangas were seized.
Weekend tracing operations saw 621 wanted suspects nabbed for a range of crimes. A total of 731 fines to the value of R682 000 were issued for the contravention of the National Road Traffic Act.
All the crime prevention activities are commended in an effort to create safer communities.
Source: South African Police Service