Cape Town experienced an unexpected decrease in crime over the past payday weekend, according to the latest statistics released by the City of Cape Town.
Cape Town crime statistics: Here’s the complete breakdown
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded a total of 1 979 incidents between Friday, 26 January, and Sunday, 28 January 2024.
This number shows a slight drop in the overall number of incidents reported, deviating from the typical surge in crime often seen during month-end.
Of the reported incidents, 706 were medical-related, and 164 involved fire.
There were 146 assault cases, 50 domestic violence incidents, 228 noise complaints, and 63 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
This data indicates a noticeable reduction in incidents typically associated with payday weekends.
In a notable incident late Saturday night, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers arrested a suspect in Delft.
The individual, who was under the influence, was threatening his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint. Officers successfully de-escalated the situation, recovering a firearm and 13 rounds of ammunition.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, commented on the statistics:
“The statistics that are usually associated with payday weekend showed a noticeable drop this month, although our staff still had their hands full, as evidenced by the incident in Delft.”
He added that while this January shows an anomaly in the payday phenomenon, it is premature to consider this a lasting trend.
Smith suggested that the decline might be more attributed to the financial strain post the new year festivities rather than a shift in behavioural patterns.
In terms of enforcement efforts, Law Enforcement officers made 220 arrests and issued 1 727 notices for various offences. Their Metro Police counterparts made 56 arrests and issued 3 977 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.
On the roads, Traffic officers arrested 48 suspects, including 38 for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless and negligent driving, and six more on various charges.
The weekend’s operations led to a total of 71 290 offences being recorded.
In addition, 184 public transport vehicles were impounded, and 2 543 warrants of arrest were executed, reflecting the ongoing commitment of Cape Town’s law enforcement agencies to maintaining public order and safety.