Cape Town: A fire incident occurred on Sunday, April 19, 2026 which was the third major technical rescue. In just a matter of weeks for the Fire and Rescue Service, as they assisted Metro Rescue to bring two people to safety.
Reportedly, the Fire and Rescue Service responded to an alert of persons stuck in a void in a canal in the Pinelands area. They were unable to get out, as the water levels were rising rapidly.
Firefighters set up the ropes and had a ladder on standby for an emergency rescue. They assisted Metro Rescue Teams who donned wetsuits and harnesses to get to the trapped individuals. An adult male and female were treated for hypothermia and were transported to the hospital.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that the assist is the third incident in just four weeks where the rope rescue technicians were involved. The others were the rescue of a woman who fell into a drain in Bonteheuwel and Sable the canine in Durbanville.
Once again, they were available to assist and ensure a positive outcome. Rope rescue is a specialised skill within the Fire and Rescue Service. These incidents highlighted the critical need for such services, and it made them proud to be able to call on such a resource in times of trouble.
Earlier this year, they were also able to showcase the hazmat capabilities during a chemical reaction incident in Montague Gardens. All indicators of the resource and technical investment in the Fire Service and overall public safety efforts, were a part of it.
Rope Rescue Technicians are specialised firefighters, who are trained in high-angle, low-angle, and confined space environments, utilising ropes, harnesses, and rigging systems for patient access and rescue.
In general enforcement efforts over the past week, City enforcement agencies made 449 arrests. Law Enforcement officers made 249 arrests and issued 10,998 notices for by-law and traffic transgressions. Metro Police Officers made 148 arrests and issued 6,821 traffic and by-law fines.
On the roads, Traffic Officers arrested 52 suspects, as 43 for driving under the influence of alcohol, three (03) for reckless and negligent driving and six (06) on various other charges. They also recorded 79,616 offences, impounded 195 public transport vehicles and executed 907 warrants of arrest.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded a 30% drop in calls for assistance, as the weather kept people indoors, from 1,453 the previous weekend to 1004. Out of these, 403 were calls for medical assistance and 169 were by-law related. Emergency call-takers dispatched assistance to 38 incidents of assault, 17 domestic violence calls, 11 shooting incidents and 44 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.