In a remarkable display of law enforcement efficacy, the City’s Traffic Services, Law Enforcement, and Metro Police Departments reported the arrest of 280 suspects and the issuance of an astonishing 59,966 fines in just one week. This spate of activity underscores the ongoing battle against crime in the region, which has been bolstered by the proactive measures taken by specialised units, including the K9 Unit, which continues to make significant strides in curbing drug trafficking.

Among the standout accomplishments was the work of Metro Police K9 Virus, who recently cemented his status as a crime-fighting sensation. On Friday, officers on crime prevention patrols in Observatory noticed a vehicle parked obstructively. Upon approaching the driver, they requested to see his licence. However, suspicions grew, leading the officers to call K9 Virus to assist in a vehicle search.”

The agile dog, often referred to as a “good boy” by his handler, directed the team to the bottom of the steering column, uncovering a hidden stash of illegal drugs: 29 packets of khat, 13 bankies of rock cocaine, and two bankies of cocaine, all tucked inside a pink sock. The remarkable find, with an estimated street value of R13,200, led to the arrest of a 41-year-old man for illegal possession of drugs, who was subsequently detained at the Woodstock SAPS.

This latest drug bust follows an earlier success on 23 July, when Virus sniffed out cocaine and crack cocaine in Woodstock worth just over R40,000, alongside significant cash findings. The duo of K9 Virus and Metro officers proves crucial in the fight against the rampant drug trade affecting communities.

“K9 Virus is such a good boy, although I doubt these criminals would agree. These latest successes are timely reminders of the value that specialised units such as the K9 Unit within Metro Police bring to our enforcement efforts,” said Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. He urged communities to join the fight against drugs by reporting suspicious activities via the anonymous tip-off line or directly to patrol officers.

A total of 178 suspects were arrested by Law Enforcement officers alongside 6,458 notices issued for various violations, showcasing a fearless approach to public safety. On the traffic front, 50,809 offences were recorded, with traffic officers impounding 263 public transport vehicles and executing 1,749 warrants of arrest. Notably, 37 motorists had their freedom curtailed, of which 29 were attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol, while others faced charges of reckless and negligent driving.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) received 1,568 incident reports over the past weekend, highlighting the necessity for community involvement. Among these were 84 cases of assault, 38 domestic violence incidents, and 48 road-related accidents, reinforcing the need for vigilant, informed, and proactive law enforcement strategies.

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