The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police and Law Enforcement officers have made several arrests following tip-offs across the City.

The City says two suspects were arrested in Endlovini, Khayelitsha on Wednesday after a hijacked truck carrying alcohol worth more than R1.6 million was recovered. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, says the vehicle was hijacked earlier that morning in Grabouw by 10 suspects.

“The suspects were busy offloading the alcohol when officers arrived, but most fled on spotting the officers. Two suspects, aged 40 and 36, were apprehended during a foot chase and arrested for possession of a hijacked vehicle, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest.”

Smith says the recovered vehicle is a brand new 14-ton Isuzu truck, and the alcohol was being transported from Cape Town to Hermanus.

Smith added that arrests were also made in Bonteheuwel on Thursday, where a suspect was found in possession of an imitation firearm.

“Neighbourhood safety officers in Bonteheuwel responded to a tip-off about a youngster planning to rob learners outside a primary school. Officers spotted a group of young people loitering near the school, and one suspect attempted to flee. He was caught with an imitation firearm in his possession, arrested, and taken to Bishop Lavis SAPS.”

In an unrelated incident, five men were arrested later the same day in Gugulethu for robbing residents at gunpoint.

“The vehicle and a modified firearm were confiscated, and the suspects were taken to Gugulethu SAPS for further investigation, Smith added.”

Smith further stressed the importance of tip-offs, stating that they contribute to reducing and even prevent crimes from taking place.

”I want to commend the officers who followed up on the information and those residents who called it in. Thank you for not turning a blind eye and joining us in the fight against crime. Your input is valued in keeping our areas safe and rooting out criminals.”