The Unsettling State of Cape Town: A Surge in Assaults and Arrests - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

The Unsettling State of Cape Town: A Surge in Assaults and Arrests

3 mins read
assaults arrests

The city of Cape Town is in an unsettling state due to a surge in assaults and arrests. In just two days, the Public Emergency Communication Centre received 154 calls reporting assault incidents, alongside a significant number of citations and arrests. The city is urging residents to report any suspicious or criminal actions, as the current state of the city is distressing. Law enforcement officers have also made notable drug seizures and arrests, highlighting the influence of alcohol abuse and gender-based violence as catalysts for violence in communities.

Emergency calls reporting assault incidents have skyrocketed in Cape Town, with 154 calls in just two days. Alongside this, there were a significant number of citations and arrests by the Traffic Service and Law Enforcement departments. The city is urging residents to report any suspicious or criminal actions.

Emergency Calls Skyrocket

In an alarming disclosure, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) in Cape Town was bombarded with 154 calls reporting assault incidents, quite a staggering figure for a span of only two days. This disturbing data was accompanied by a momentous number of citations and arrests executed by the Traffic Service and Law Enforcement departments. During the same timeframe, they released more than 71,202 tickets and apprehended 215 individuals as part of their regular enforcement operations.

In total, the PECC responded to 1,995 pleas for help, encompassing the aforementioned 154 assault-related instances. This is a distressing representation of the current state of the city. The Traffic Service department, along with securing 3,221 arrests via issued warrants, had a prominent role in drug seizures. A notable episode in this regard occurred on the 24th of February, 2024.

Drug Seizures and Arrests

During a customary patrol in the Goodwood area, officers came across a white Kia hatchback that piqued their suspicion. The vehicle was stopped and the driver’s uneasy behavior prompted a search. The search yielded a concoction of illegal substances. Stashed in a medicine container belonging to the driver, the officers uncovered two packets of heroin, fifteen of cocaine, and four of Tik. The 45-year-old suspect’s futile effort to bribe the officers resulted in his arrest. He was later taken into custody by the Elsies River South African Police Service.

On the same day in Heideveld, another apprehension took place. Officers discovered a suspect carrying an unlicensed 9mm pistol loaded with six live rounds. The 18-year-old male, unable to present a legitimate firearm license, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was subsequently detained at the Manenberg SAPS.

Noteworthy accomplishments of the law enforcement officers also include apprehending a 22-year-old suspect with a counterfeit gas firearm and three gas rounds. The suspect was intercepted during crime prevention patrols in Fisantekraal and subsequently detained at Durbanville SAPS for further scrutiny.

Further Arrests and Traffic Violations

On February 25th, 2024, officers in the Wynberg region reacted to intel regarding a suspicious vehicle. The ensuing search disclosed an imitation firearm and a bag of Tik. The driver was subsequently arrested for illegal drug possession.

The Traffic Service maintained its dedication to safeguarding the community by issuing 66,971 fines during their weekly enforcement patrols. A substantial fraction of these citations were for speeding, with the remainder accounting for various other traffic infringements. Along with fulfilling 3,221 warrants of arrest, the department also impounded 188 public transport vehicles.

The City’s law enforcement officers carried out over 690 enforcement operations during the past week, culminating in the arrest of 179 suspects and the issuance of 4,231 fines.

Escalating Medical and Assault Incidents

Over the weekend, the PECC was overwhelmed with 822 calls regarding medical emergencies, with an astounding 154 relating to assault cases. This represents the highest number of assault cases recorded in a single month. Domestic violence persists as a serious concern, with 66 related incidents reported.

JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, voiced his severe concern over the rising assault case figures. Smith highlighted the influence of alcohol abuse, gender-based violence, and disregard for others as catalysts for violence in communities. He implored residents to report any incidents that endanger their families and the community.

The city urges residents to report any suspicious or criminal actions by reaching out to the City’s PECC at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. With these alarming statistics in mind, the urgency for immediate action against the escalating wave of violence is more pressing than ever.

1. What is happening in Cape Town?

There is a surge in assaults and arrests in Cape Town, leading to a distressing state in the city.

2. How many emergency calls were made in just two days?

154 calls were made to the Public Emergency Communication Centre reporting assault incidents in just two days.

3. What is the role of law enforcement officers in this situation?

Law enforcement officers have been making notable drug seizures and arrests, highlighting the influence of alcohol abuse and gender-based violence as catalysts for violence in communities. They have also apprehended suspects with unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

4. What are some other forms of criminal activity taking place?

Alongside the surge in assaults, there are increasing instances of drug possession and traffic violations, such as speeding.

5. What other issues are being reported?

There is an escalating number of medical emergencies and domestic violence incidents being reported.

6. What can residents do to help?

Residents are urged to report any suspicious or criminal actions to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

Previous Story

The Dynamic Operations of South Africa’s Parliament: A Week’s Insight

Next Story

A New Dawn for the City: The Radiant Transformation of the City Ombudsman

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.