Dozens arrested for breaking lockdown regulations

20 April 2020

The Metro Police Department made 53 arrests - one for drunk driving and the rest for possession of drugs, attempted burglary, public violence, defeating the ends of justice and contravention of the Disaster Management Act.

Officers also confiscated the following items:

 99 mandrax tablets

 57 sachets of tik

2 bankies of dagga

179 packs of tobacco

918 loose cigarettes

4 894 packets of cigarettes

2 and-a-half boxes of cigarettes

‘Our enforcement efforts also show that many shopkeepers continue to sell cigarettes. While one has an appreciation for the principle of supply and demand, the reality is that, for the moment, selling cigarettes is against the law, and shopkeepers are putting themselves at risk of arrest,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Metro Police officers also arrested four suspects in two separate incidents for attempting to break into businesses in the Salt River area. The suspects were all caught on camera.

In addition, officers stopped a total of 1 937 motor vehicles and issued 1 988 traffic and by-law fines.

Cape Town Traffic officers recorded 5 536 cases, including 11 arrests and 19 taxi impounds. The rest of the offences were related to lockdown regulations or traffic violations.

‘While we have experienced a marked reduction in the number of vehicles on our roads during the lockdown, it appears that where people are behind the wheel, some think it is fine to let rip on the speed. Most of the speeding offences are anywhere between 50 and 150% over the limit. Please be mindful that our staff continue to enforce the relevant legislation, and that they will fine anyone caught breaking the law,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The City’s Law Enforcement Department made 20 arrests for cable theft and violation of the lockdown regulations. Officers also issued 2 614 fines and 30 compliance notices.

Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town, 20 April 2020