The City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies have confirmed that its increased operations over the past week resulted in 338 arrests, a sharp increase from the 241 arrests recorded the previous week.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate added that officers also recovered at least five illegal firearms, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb gun violence across Cape Town.
Among the latest firearm seizures was an incident on Sunday, when Freeway Management System camera operators alerted Metro Police to suspicious activity behind an informal structure in District Six.
Officers responded to the scene and initially found nothing during their search. However, with assistance from a SAPS K9 unit, a revolver and four rounds of live ammunition were discovered hidden beneath the structure. Six suspects were arrested in connection with the find.
Earlier in the weekend, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers recovered two additional weapons in Hanover Park. On Saturday, officers responding to a shooting incident located a 9mm pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition that had been discarded in a wheelie bin.
Later that evening, officers responded to reports of shots fired and arrested a 41-year-old man who was found in possession of a revolver and live ammunition.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, stressed that every firearm confiscated represents potential crimes and lives saved, but questioned when decisive action would be taken to dismantle illegal firearm supply networks.
“But the same question remains – when will we see concrete steps in identifying and shutting down the illegal firearm supply lines that contribute to the ongoing terror in so many of our communities?” said Smith
Beyond firearm-related operations, Metro Police made 97 arrests, including 51 for drug possession, and issued 2 881 traffic and by-law fines.
Law Enforcement Officers made 208 arrests and issued 10 786 notices, while Traffic Officers recorded 35 954 offences and executed 1 138 warrants.
At the same time, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre received 1 562 calls over the weekend, including reports of medical emergencies, assaults, accidents and domestic violence.
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