Cape Town Enforcement Agencies Make 339 Arrests in One Week, Capturing Attempted Murder Suspect

In an impressive demonstration of responsiveness and proactive policing, the City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies kicked off the first week of 2024 with a significant round-up of suspects, culminating in 339 arrests. Highlighting their efforts was the dramatic apprehension of an attempted murder suspect just moments after the crime was committed.

The metro police department officers were bound for a report at the shadow center on the N2 early in the morning when they encountered a violent altercation involving four men near the on-ramp to Jakes Gerwel Drive. As they approached, they observed one individual, brandishing a firearm, take flight. A brisk chase ensued, resulting in the suspect being caught and disarmed. The officers retrieved a Vector 9mm pistol, confirmed to be loaded with 11 live rounds of ammunition.

Upon closer examination, the pistol, although having signs of serial number modification, was still identifiable and recently discovered to have been stolen from the Mitchell's Plain Police Station in 2017, among other firearms. Meanwhile, at the scene of the dispute, the officers found another man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were promptly called to the scene, and the victim received necessary care before being transported to a nearby hospital.

The 20-year-old suspect from Bonteheuwel was detained at the Manenberg police station and faces serious charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The relentless efforts of the enforcement staff are reflected in the City's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for safety and security, JP Smith's statement – a gun has been recovered every day of the new year, indicating a concentrated push against gun violence.

In a broader view of the city's crime prevention strategy, Smith revealed distressing statistics of 478 shooting incidents recorded in just one month across regions equipped with Shotspotter technology, including Manenberg, Hanover Park, Lavender Hill, and Nyanga.

Complementing the metro police's efforts, the traffic officers also made significant strides by making 51 arrests, 50 attributed to driving under the influence and one for reckless and negligent driving. Law enforcement operations were in full swing, with 464 actions taken that resulted in the capture of 234 suspects.

The City of Cape Town reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and encourages the use of emergency contact numbers: 021 480 7700 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline, for prompt reporting of any criminal activity or emergency situations.