Cape Town has seen a troubling increase in violent crime, with 22 shootings reported over the weekend and priority policing calls nearly doubling to 61, up from 34 the previous week. The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre dispatched assistance to a total of 1,464 calls during the weekend, highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement capacity.
Firearm-Related Arrests
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the reported figures likely underestimate the true scale of the problem. “These are reported incidents, so the actual number is likely far higher,” Smith said. Enforcement services recovered several firearms, including a 9mm pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition in Hanover Park, which begs the question of supply lines and what’s being done by national government to dismantle them.
According to the South African Police Service, firearm-related crimes are a major concern in South Africa. The City reported 448 medical emergencies, including 89 assault cases, and 171 traffic-related incidents, including 39 motor vehicle accidents and a dozen pedestrian accidents.
Enforcement Operations
Law enforcement responded to 414 by-law complaints over the week, resulting in 423 arrests and nearly 86,000 fines. Metro Police made 167 arrests, including 57 for drunk driving, while Traffic Officers recorded 69,233 traffic violations, impounded 208 public transport vehicles, and executed 656 warrants of arrest.
Some notable arrests include a 29-year-old found with a 9mm pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition in Hanover Park on 25 March, and a 23-year-old arrested for illegal possession of a revolver on 27 March. Officers also recovered a blank firearm following a shots-fired call in Hanover Park on 28 March.
Residents are urged to report life-threatening emergencies immediately to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 770. For more information on crime statistics in South Africa, visit the Statistics South Africa website.
- 22 shootings reported over the weekend
- 61 priority policing calls, up from 34 the previous week
- 1,464 calls dispatched by the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre
- 423 arrests and nearly 86,000 fines
