Man convicted for stealing seesaw from Ravensmead park
A man was caught stealing a seesaw in Ravensmead.
Image: Supplied
A man convicted for stealing a seesaw from a park in Ravensmead is expected to be sentenced in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court.
He is among 88 arrests the City of Cape Town's Metal Theft Unit made in the 10 months between July 2025 and April 2026.
"Public assistance is critical in clamping down on the illegal trade in metals, so if you see something, please report it, no matter how big or small. In one of the most recent cases before court, there was a theft conviction for stealing a seesaw from a park in Ravensmead. So, justice does come around in some cases," said Saftey and Security mayco member, JP Smith.
Another conviction awaiting sentencing in the same court relates to damage to, and/or possession of essential infrastructure (Prasa property).
In the Blue Down’s Magistrate’s Court, a suspect was convicted on April 3 for the possession of stolen property, and in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18/2015.
This was after he was found in possession of eight bags of Transnet cable weighing 409.15 kg in Kraaifontein in 2023.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Smith said the unit also recovered more than a kilometre of stolen cable and more than 800 kilograms of stolen metal over the 10 months.
It shut 136 non-compliant scrap traders, as staff completed 5 979 patrols in hotspot areas with 1 257 scrapyard compliance inspections, and responded to 423 complaints from the public and issued 3 095 fines for various by-law transgressions.
Smith said in recent years, the unit, like many others in the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, has started using technology like CCTV, drones and thermal imagery to amplify their operations and cover more ground, particularly in more rural landscapes.
"We are confident that the near 30% increase in hotspot patrols has prevented acts of criminality, protecting essential infrastructure in the process.
"But our staff monitor the entire pipeline, including keeping scrap dealers honest.
"Anyone found without proper registration or contravening any of the applicable legislation is closed upon inspection.
"It is a mammoth undertaking for staff who have to do inspections of these premises, proactively patrol known hotspots and respond to hundreds of public complaints," he said.
Scrap metal dealers are generally formal businesses, trading on a large scale in an area zoned for business. Bucket shops are registered dealers that tend to trade in suburbs from residential properties.
Since July 2025, the Metal Theft Unit has closed 42 scrap metal dealers and 94 bucket shops upon inspection.
Reasons for closure include continued non-compliance with applicable legislation, where they are found guilty of an offence, or for failing to register as a second-hand goods dealer or metal recycler.
The public can report suspected illegal scrap dealers or illicit activities via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via 0800 110077.