End of Januworry reflected in rise across incident categories
27 January 2025
City enforcement agencies had their hands full this payday weekend. It was the end of a long month for many and people let their hair down to celebrate. This is reflected in a rise across a number of categories of incidents reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC).
The PECC recorded 1 842 incidents (1 656), including 619 (584) medical calls, 114 (94) fires, 119 (69) assault cases, 38 (22) complaints of drinking in public, 68 (51) domestic violence cases and 63 (53) motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
‘The increases in many categories are those where alcohol plays a role and where the physical safety of residents is compromised. Payday weekends are always a concern and our enforcement staff brace for the inevitable consequences of reckless revelry.
‘With January behind us, I want to encourage our residents to set the tone for the year by taking responsibility for their actions and it includes responsible alcohol use. Our officers will continue to ensure the safety of our communities and arrest those who flout the law,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Cape Town Traffic Officers made 46 arrests, including 36 for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving and seven for other offences. They also executed 1 307 warrants, impounded 261 public transport vehicles and recorded 59 323 transgressions.
In a drag racing operation along Strandfontein Road on Saturday, 25 January 2025, officers recorded 106 transgressions and suspended five vehicles.
Seven drivers were arrested during the operation of which six were for drunk driving, while the seventh was arrested for reckless and negligent driving as well as the possession of drugs.
‘Complaints flood in weekly of drag racing across the city. The high speeds mixed with alcohol, drugs and reckless behaviour is of concern. Operations and speed enforcement will continue and I encourage the racing enthusiasts to not use our public roads,’ said Alderman Smith.
Metro Police Officers arrested 68 people for various offences including five for drunk driving and 37 for the possession or sale of drugs, and confiscated a number of drugs including 46 packets of Tik, 26 heroin capsules, 320 bundles of Khat and more than 200 Mandrax tablets.
They also issued 4 350 fines for traffic and by-law infringements.
Law enforcement officers made 181 arrests.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
