Drunk driving arrests almost double week on week
28 August 2023
Not only did the overall number of arrests increase by nearly 25% week-on-week, but drunk driving arrests nearly doubled, from 38 to 68 – as has become the norm over the payday weekend. Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested 330 suspects and issued 50 978 fines during the past week. Officers arrested 68 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The City's enforcement services arrested 330 suspects and issued 50 978 fines during the past week. Officers also arrested 68 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol.
This compared to 267 arrests during the previous week, of which 38 were for drunk driving.
'The trend is unsurprising and what we have come to expect at certain times of the month, most notably around month-end. This past weekend, one of those arrested admitted to being a repeat offender who hasn't yet seen the inside of a courtroom. It is disheartening to hear these stories, particularly when one considers how dangerous and frankly, reckless, drunk driving is, and our country's ongoing struggle with road fatalities. Our officers continue to do the hard yards on the ground, but if we really want to send a strong message to offenders, and effect the necessary behaviour change, the criminal justice system needs to move more swiftly. It's no wonder that offenders are brazen enough to continue their bad behaviour, because on the face of it, there do not appear to be any real consequences. However, our officers will continue to enforce the law to the best of their ability, particularly as we move towards summer and increased traffic volumes on our roads,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On Sunday, 27 August 2023, Metro Police officers conducted vehicle check points in Eerste River and Mfuleni, where they arrested 14 suspects on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs and escape from custody. The suspects, aged between 24 and 47, were detained at Kleinvlei and Mfuleni police stations.
On the same day, CCTV operators detected what-appeared-to-be drug dealing on the Cape Town Station Deck. Officers were dispatched to investigate and on arrival, found two suspects in possession of various quantities of mandrax and tik. Both suspects were detained at Cape Town Central SAPS.
On Friday, 25 August 2023, CCTV operators detected a suspect breaking into a vehicle in Strand Street in the CBD. Officers who responded to the incident apprehended the 43-year-old suspect who was found in possession of a laptop. He was detained at Cape Town Central SAPS on charges of theft from a motor vehicle and malicious damage to property.
Overall, the Metro Police department made 54 arrests in the past week and issued 1 640 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.
CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICE
Cape Town Traffic Service arrested 70 motorists, of which 62 were for drunk driving and eight for reckless and negligent driving.
Officers recorded 46 678 offences, impounded 220 vehicles and executed more than 2 000 warrants of arrest.
Their Law Enforcement counterparts arrested 206 suspects and issued 2 660 notices for various transgressions.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
