End-of-the-month frivolity shows in enforcement figures

03 April 2023

Drunk driving arrests by the City of Cape Town’s enforcement departments increased slightly this past week, while noise nuisance complaints also showed an uptick

The City's enforcement departments made 276 arrests this past week.

While this is down from 325 the previous week, drunk driving arrests increased from 54 to 60.

'It has become par for the course that weekends, and especially at the end or beginning of a new month, show an increase in drunk driving arrests. The party should not extend to the road where your life and that of others depend on drivers being sober. The end of the month should not mean the end of your freedom, or the end of a life,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Noise nuisance complaints to the City's Public Emergency Communication centre increased from 223 last week to 244 this weekend and reported assaults increased to 171 (147 last week).

Traffic Service

Cape Town Traffic Service held integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations and recorded 39 525 speeding offences, issued 23 899 fines for various traffic violations, impounded 218 public transport vehicles and executed 1 697 warrants of arrest.

Of their 65 arrests, 57 were for driving under the influence and eight for reckless and negligent driving.

Metro Police Department

Metro Police officers made 55 arrests, including three for drunk driving. They also confiscated various quantities of drugs and a variety of weapons.

Yesterday, Sunday, 2 April 2023, officers conducted crime prevention patrols in the Ocean View area, which led to the arrest of seven suspects on drug-related charges.

It was no April Fool's joke when officers on Saturday were on their way to work and noticed a blue BMW driving recklessly on the shoulder of the N1 towards Cape Town.

The driver refused to stop after a few attempts and the officers caught up with the vehicle on the N7 direction Malmesbury where the driver lost control and drove into a field close to Plattekloof turn off (pictured).

The three culprits ran on foot towards the railway line, but were arrested soon after.

Officers found dagga in the vehicle (pictured). 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

During the past week, the City's Law Enforcement Department officers made 156 arrests.

'Officers continue to make inroads against the proliferation of drugs in our communities. The abuse and sale of these substances affect our communities at all levels and I want to encourage residents to report illegal activity, so we can put an end to it together,' said Alderman Smith.

Residents are reminded to phone 021 480 77 00 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline to report any criminal activity or emergency.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office