Minimal disruption from EFF shutdown
20 March 2023
‘We’ve had a few sporadic incidents of stone-throwing, as well as attempts to block roads with burning barricades and attempted arson, but thanks to the coordinated and swift response of enforcement agencies, we’ve managed to contain the situation. Our staff remain on high alert, and are continuing their proactive patrols and checkpoints to ensure law and order prevails,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Among the incidents reported:
- A small group of protestors tried to intimidate fuel stations in the Parklands area, resulting in one arrest
- Attempts at burning debris in the roadway in Khayelitsha, Delft and Dunoon
- Two failed attempts to petrol bomb MyCiti buses yesterday
- Approximately 100 protestors who tried to gather in Woodstock Main Road towards Mowbray were dispersed by SAPS
- A small group of protestors who tried to gather on Borcherds Quarry Road were pushed back by SAPS and Metro Police
- Sporadic stone throwing incidents on Maroela and Voortrekker Rd, Kraaifontein and at Klipfontein and Borcherds Quarry Roads
‘While we have been on high alert for potential impacts related to the shutdown, our enforcement staff have also continued their focus on their day to day operations. In one of the latest enforcement successes this morning, our Highway Patrol Unit officers arrested a suspect for the possession of a stolen vehicle on the N2. In the past week, our staff have made nearly 300 arrests for various transgressions. We also had the very substantial drug bust by our Metro Police officers, resulting in contraband with a street value of over R1 million.
‘Many of our enforcement successes come via the technology that the City continues to invest in, but also visible patrols and of course community tip offs. We are deeply indebted to those members of the public who do their bit for safer communities by blowing the whistle on criminal acts,’ added Alderman Smith.
During general enforcement efforts between 13 and 20 March, the City’s agencies made 288 arrests, issued 72 409 fines, impounded 309 public transport vehicles and executed 575 warrants of arrest.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre logged 2 117 incidents over the weekend.
Calls for medical assistance accounted for nearly 40% of all incidents recorded. In addition, the centre recorded 42 domestic violence incidents, 133 assaults, 47 motor vehicle accidents and 25 accidents involving pedestrians.
Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town, 20 March 2023
