Cape Town Central police are investigating the deaths of two people in the central business district following the event held to mark the switching on of the festive lights on Sunday December 2.
One of these occurred in the early hours of Monday morning. Details around the second incident are still unclear as the person passed away in hospital yesterday morning.
A crowd of about 39 000 people attended the annual event at the Grand Parade.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, JP Smith, said; “The City will liaise with the SAPS around the progress of the investigation to see what, if anything, could have been done to have prevented these tragic deaths.”
At the same time, law enforcement officials confiscated a number of dangerous weapons during the event including imitation firearms and knives as well as 407 bottles of alcohol.
The police say 15 cases of robbery were registered at the Cape Town Central police station, and five related arrests have been made.Â
Mr Smith said; “It is unfortunate, but the reality is that any large public access event is likely to attract a criminal element and we will probably never know the true extent of incidents like theft, as many people do not report the incident.”Â