Metro Police officers in Cape Town came under attack in two separate incidents over the weekend while carrying out enforcement duties in Manenberg and Macassar.

On Saturday, officers came under fire in Manenberg while responding to reports of gunshots in the area. Officers returned fire during the exchange, wounding two suspects.

In a separate incident on Sunday in Macassar, Metro Police officers were attacked while arresting a suspect allegedly found in possession of drugs and a dangerous weapon. Two officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, condemned the attacks, saying officers are increasingly being targeted while performing their duties.

“Unfortunately, we had at least two incidents over the weekend where Metro Police officers came under attack in the execution of their duties. These incidents have sadly become all too common, but we cannot allow it to go unchecked.”

Smith added that officers serve on the frontline of public safety but are now being placed at greater risk while protecting communities.

“Our officers are on the frontline keeping the streets safe for all our residents. Instead, they have now become the targets.”

Smith further stressed that violence against law enforcement cannot be justified, and urged communities to assist police by providing information that could help identify and apprehend those responsible.

“Violence against law enforcement cannot be justified and is an attack on the safety of our residents. I call on the communities of Atlantis and Manenberg to help us with information that can help us track and arrest those who attacked our staff. The City can pay a reward for any information that leads to an arrest, so please call 021 480 7700.”

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The Bishop Lavis SAPS and the affected precinct are in mourning, following the tragic passing of an esteemed police officer. 

Sergeant Tembani Mditshwa died on Sunday, after the police van he was driving caught fire on the R300.  

The Kuils River SAPS are investigating a case of culpable homicide in this regard. 

Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie, said Mdithswa’s passing has left a void, as he was a dedicated and respected member of the police force.  

McKenzie noted that he was not only an officer, but also served the community he worked in with care.  

“He was a servant of the people, a protector of our communities, and a man who wore his badge with honour, integrity, and pride. Throughout his years of service at the Bishop Lavis Police Station, he distinguished himself through his professionalism, unwavering commitment to duty, and genuine care for those he served,” said McKenzie.  

Communication Officer for the Bishop Lavis SAPS, Sergeant Samantha Adonis, confirmed that Mditshwa worked in Visible Policing, adding that he was a “very helpful” and “dedicated police officer”. 

“He would offer his off time if needed to transport members wherever, as he was one of the authorised members to drive the police buses.  He was one of the soccer coaches for our station’s soccer team,” said Adonis.  

McKenzie has shared his condolences with the family, friends and colleagues of Mditshwa, adding that his legacy of “service, sacrifice, and commitment” will never be forgotten.  

“His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him and by the countless residents whose lives he touched through his service. He was respected by his colleagues, appreciated by the community, and admired for his tireless dedication to keeping others safe.” 

The City has officially reopened the refurbished public ablution facility at Greenmarket Square following repairs valued at approximately R3,7 million.

The refurbishment was led by the Recreation and Parks Department, with assistance from the Urban Planning and Design, Area Economic Development and the Events Department, as well as the Cape Town Central Improvement District (CCID).

The City says the collective effort has ensured that the facility was restored while respecting the heritage significance of Greenmarket Square and minimising disruption to traders and visitors.

The project included:

• Repairs and restoration of the ablution facilities
• Structural and exterior maintenance
• Replacement of damaged fixtures and fittings
• Security enhancements
• Repairs to drainage and lighting

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says Greenmarket Square remains one of Cape Town’s most significant heritage sites.

She says it is a vibrant economic and tourism hub, supporting informal traders while welcoming thousands of residents and visitors every year.

“We would like to encourage residents, traders and visitors to make use of the upgraded facilities and to help protect this important public asset. The refurbishment ensures that users have access to safe, clean and accessible public amenities that complement this important civic space.”

The Acting National Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, says extensive measures are in place to ensure the country remains safe and secure ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 June.

Addressing the media on Monday, Cachalia said the SAPS has heightened its operational readiness across all provinces, with deployment plans aimed at protecting communities, critical infrastructure and public spaces.

He also revealed that preparations for possible unrest are costing the country around R600 million, money which could otherwise have gone towards improving community safety and policing infrastructure.

The R600 million will be used to deploy additional officers on the ground, with the SANDF on standby should it be called to assist.

Cachalia said law enforcement agencies will conduct daily operational assessments and security monitoring to respond quickly to any emerging threats. Daily briefings will also allow police to adjust deployments and allocate resources where needed.

He stressed that while South Africans have the constitutional right to protest peacefully, criminal acts would not be tolerated.

“Everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated. The rule of law will prevail.”

The minister said SAPS remains the lead agency responsible for maintaining public order but could request support from the South African National Defence Force if additional capacity is required.

Government will this week engage with premiers from all nine provinces to ensure a coordinated approach to maintaining stability and the uninterrupted functioning of essential services.

Cachalia is visiting Cape Town on Tuesday to assess operational preparedness and engage with police management and community policing representatives in Nyanga.

Over the weekend, Cachalia met with provincial and divisional commissioners to review readiness plans ahead of the demonstrations. He said he was satisfied that SAPS was prepared to uphold and enforce the law.

The ministry also confirmed that engagement is taking place with the private security industry and traditional leaders, including representatives of the Zulu Royal House, to promote messages of peace and non-violence.

Government has urged South Africans to express concerns lawfully and peacefully, while warning that anyone involved in violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities would face the full force of the law.