The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service held a week-long operation in the southern peninsula, in association with the South African Police Service, Metro Police and Law Enforcement, in response to tensions in the taxi industry.
Officers impounded 74 vehicles during operations in Vrygrond, Westlake, Heathfield, Retreat, Steenberg, Muizenberg and Wynberg after drivers could not produce operating licences or were found to be operating in contravention of their operating licences.
They also served 23 warrants, released 13 motorists on a warning, and issued 3 377 fines for various offences. Of the 18 arrests, three were for outstanding warrants, 12 for driving while intoxicated, and one each for reckless and negligent driving, failing to obey a lawful instruction, and possession of a fraudulent driver’s licence.
‘Recently, tensions flared again in the Retreat/Vrygrond area between legal and illegal operators. Our staff saturated the area in response and, based on the statistics, the operation was a success. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation to ensure that everyone stays in their lane and to help prevent a repeat of the violence we’ve seen in the area in the past,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.
The City’s Metro Police Department meanwhile arrested 89 suspects in the last week, including 71 for drunk driving. Officers also made arrests for drug possession (7) and various other offences, including possession of ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property, attempted murder, and assault on a police officer.
On Thursday 22 June 2017, Metro Police members were on general patrols when they were alerted to a Law Enforcement pursuit of a grey Mercedes Benz on Baden Powell Drive. Officers responded and spotted the vehicle heading towards the Capricorn traffic circle. When they arrived at the location, the suspects had abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. An eyewitness gave officers a description of the suspects and the direction they were headed. Officers searched the area and found the two men, who were positively identified by the witness. Officers later found that the Mercedes was a stolen vehicle that had been used in an armed robbery in the Langa area, and that both suspects were wanted on charges of armed robbery, theft, and possession of an illegal firearm for incidents in Milnerton and Macassar.
‘This was exceptional work by the City’s enforcement services and I laud their dogged determination in tracking down the suspects when the odds of finding them were slim. Because of their commitment, two potentially dangerous criminals are off the streets. I also want to thank the eyewitness for his assistance. This case is an example of how the community and enforcement services can work together to make Cape Town safer,’ added Alderman Smith.