Cape Town’s law enforcement makes 446 arrests, recovers AK-47

LEAP officers recovered an AK-47 assault rifle during hotspot patrols in Gugulethu as City enforcement agencies recorded their highest weekly arrest tally of the year. Cape Town’s enforcement agencies recorded their highest weekly arrest tally of the year, with 446 suspects arrested and more than 65 000 fines issued during operations across the city. According to the City of Cape Town, the arrests were made by Law Enforcement, Metro Police and Traffic Services during patrols and targeted operations over the past week.

Law Enforcement officers made 259 arrests and issued 10 113 fines for various transgressions. During hotspot patrols in Gugulethu on Sunday, March 8, LEAP officers recovered an AK-47 assault rifle after spotting a suspect carrying a blue bag. When officers approached the man, he ran away but was caught shortly afterwards.

The rifle was found inside the bag. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the recovery highlighted ongoing concerns about how high-powered weapons continue to circulate in communities. “This is the third rifle that LEAP officers have recovered in the last eight months.

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They recovered a rifle in Philippi East in August last year, and another in Gugulethu last June, just days after a mass shooting in the area,” said Smith. “Add to that the five firearms that Metro Police officers recovered in the past week and we are right back to the question of how these firearms flow onto our streets so easily, and why no meaningful steps have been taken to address it.” Metro Police officers made 150 arrests, including 44 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and issued 4 386 fines for traffic and by-law offences. They also recovered five firearms, two imitation firearms, 59 rounds of ammunition, and various quantities of mandrax and tik. Traffic Services officers arrested 37 suspects, including 28 for driving under the influence, five for reckless and negligent driving, and four on other charges.

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