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A young woman was taken off the streets during an operation in Bellville – one of a number of interventions by City enforcement agencies this weekend that resulted in 113 arrests. Read more below:
The City of Cape Town’s Vice Squad rescued a 24-year-old woman in the Bellville CBD during an operation on Saturday 18 June 2016. The woman, originally from Johannesburg, told officers she had been forced into prostitution after being lured to Cape Town with the promise of employment.
‘The young woman has been taken to a safe house and we have handed the case over to the Hawks for further investigation, so we can’t say anything more about the matter. Sadly, her story is not unique and is yet another cautionary tale to young people to double-check any offers of employment, especially if you’re from another town or city. Also make sure that your family knows your whereabouts at all times, for safety’s sake,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.The Vice Squad issued 20 spot fines for solicitation in Bellville, Wynberg, Kenilworth and Eerste River, totalling R23 000. The Liquor Enforcement Unit meanwhile assisted the South African Police Service and the Western Cape Liquor Authority’s Compliance Unit during operations in Khayelitsha, Macassar, Lwandle and Kuils River. They issued 19 spot fines totalling R39 900 and also arrested one suspect for selling liquor illegally.
‘During the operation, many revellers at the two illegal liquor outlets that were closed became quite angry and were very critical of the City. We apologise for the inconvenience they experienced and the intention was certainly not to disrupt their enjoyment of the evening. It needs to be understood though that the City and the South African Police Service need to address these illegal liquor outlets as they contribute to many attacks, rapes, car-jacking incidents and other problems identified by the crime statistics. The City also has to uphold the rights and quality of life of residents in Khayelitsha who complain bitterly about the noise, anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion being experienced due to these venues.
‘I have offered to convene meetings with the relevant departments to assist operators of these venues to comply with all the relevant legislation so that we protect the local residents around them in Khayelitsha. Policing is not just about fighting crime, but also about protecting the rights of residents in all communities,’ said Alderman Smith.
Elsewhere, Law Enforcement officers were involved in the arrest of 13 other suspects – one of them a suspect in an armed robbery at Capitec Bank in Kraaifontein. A Law Enforcement officer spotted six suspects leaving the bank, armed with assault rifles. He called for backup and followed the suspects through Bloekombos and Wallacedene. When other enforcement staff arrived, they helped to apprehend one of the suspects whom the officer was able to positively identify. The rest of the suspects are still at large.
‘This was an example of smart police work and I commend the officer in question for doing the right thing and waiting for backup to arrive. It’s a pity that they couldn’t find more of the suspects, but hopefully the ongoing investigation will lift the lid on the rest of the gang,’ added Alderman Smith.
The City’s Traffic Service arrested 62 suspects and issued 514 fines during operations, as outlined below:
· 14 drunk driving arrests and one for reckless and negligent driving during a roadblock in Mitchells Plain
· 14 drunk driving arrests in Somerset West
· 11 drunk driving arrests in Khayelitsha
· 13 drunk driving arrests, seven arrests for reckless and negligent driving, one for resisting arrest, and one for intimidation during an illegal street racing operation in Mitchells Plain
· The impoundment of 12 vehicles during a sedan taxi operation in Sea Point
The Metro Police Department arrested 16 motorists for drunk driving and 22 other suspects for drug-related offences.
One of those arrested was an 18-year-old in Parow on Friday 17 June 2016. Officers searched a house in the area following a tip about drug dealing at the premises. They confiscated various quantities of tik and dagga, as well as nearly R1 500 in cash.
On Sunday 19 June 2016, officers conducting crime prevention patrols stopped a vehicle in Parow. They found a substantial load of counterfeit cigarettes in the vehicle and arrested two suspects, aged 29 and 30.
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