Cape Town motorists have been urged to report incidents of stolen vehicles as soon as possible to improve the chances of recovery and prevent more criminal acts. This comes as the City’s Metro Police Department has seen an increase in the number of stolen vehicles recovered in this financial year.
In the latest incident, Metro Police officers recovered a stolen vehicle in Phillipi on Sunday following a high-speed chase and an exchange of gunfire.
According to the Safety and Security Directorate, officers were driving on Varkensvlei Road, just before 15:00, when they spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier in Mitchells Plain.
They made a U-turn and gave chase after the driver, who then sped off. The suspects reportedly drove past the Siqalo Informal Settlement, onto Jakes Gerwel Drive and then towards Govan Mbeki.
During this time, they pointed a firearm at the officers, who then opened fire in return.
The vehicle then came to a standstill on Old Lansdowne Road and the chase continued on foot. The officers managed to apprehend all three suspects, aged 33, 41 and 45.
“[Metro Police officers] also recovered two 9mm pistols sans serial numbers, a number of blank and live rounds of ammunition, and an imitation firearm.”
While on scene, two complainants allegedly positively identified the suspects as having robbed them of their belongings earlier in the day.
According to Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, only one of the two complainants filed criminal charges.
“While the reluctance is understandable, these suspects will face fewer charges and likely shorter jail terms if convicted.” added Smith
Other weekly Law Enforcement Operations
The City’s enforcement agencies made 231 arrests in the past week and recorded 40 496 traffic and by-law offences.
Metro Police officers arrested 75 suspects in the past week – 23 of them for driving under the influence of alcohol – and issued 2 623 notices for traffic and by-law offences.
The Law Enforcement Department made 141 arrests and issued 8 043 notices for various offences.
Traffic officers arrested 13 motorists for driving under the influence and two for reckless and negligent driving. They also recorded 29 830 offences, impounded 157 public transport vehicles and executed 1 243 warrants of arrest.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 1 612 incidents over the weekend, including 80 cases of assault, 36 cases of domestic violence and 47 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents.
READ MORE: House robbers arrested after high-speed chase on N1 ends in crash
