Illegal street racers run into the law
05 October 2020
The City of Cape Town's Traffic Service arrested 24 people during illegal street racing operations around the city, of which eight were driving under the influence of alcohol while taking part in this high speed activity. During the last few days, the City's enforcement departments arrested a total of 100 people, issued more than 59 000 fines, and impounded 127 vehicles and 101 cell phones.
‘There is a definite increase in the number of drivers who are willing to take risks with their own lives with a blatant disregard for the safety of other road users. In addition, we have illegal street racers who run the gauntlet while inebriated and this is not only reckless, but foolish,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Illegal street racing operations were held in the Bellville, Century City and Sea Point areas and during each of these operations, drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
'During one such operation, six people were arrested for driving drunk. These events attract spectators who can become the innocent victims and it is unacceptable that drivers get behind the wheel while impaired,' said Alderman Smith.
The past week’s operations netted 100 people for a number of offences including bribery, riotous behaviour, drug possession and theft.
Officers issued more than 59 000 fines, and impounded 127 vehicles and 101 cell phones.
Metro Police officers arrested a driver in Lwandle yesterday for bribery and obstruction after he tried to get out of a traffic fine by offering the officers R100.
'When you break the law, you have to be prepared to do the time when you get caught. Bribing officers is illegal and will only add to the charges against you. I commend the officers for not being swayed by such offers,' said Alderman Smith.
Other highlights from weekend operations include:
On Saturday, 3 October, Metro Police officers arrested a 28-year-old suspect for the possession of 12 packets of tik during crime prevention patrol in Sonata Street, Steenberg. He was detained at Steenberg police station
On Friday, 2 October, Metro Police officers attended to a complaint of four suspects dealing in drugs at Kalk Bay train station. Upon arrival, officers arrested two people for the possession of dagga, trespassing and damage to council property. They also confiscated a plastic bag with 20 bankies of dagga
In the early hours of 29 September, Law Enforcement officers were on scene in Marikana and assisted when a South African Police Service vehicle came under attack. Police had gone to investigate the shooting of a security guard, but when they left their vehicle unattended, members of the community set it alight. They escorted the SAPS officers and others safely out of the area
Law Enforcement conducted 194 operations of which 157 are joint with other roleplayers. These also include the patrol and monitoring of land invasion hotspots
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
