Taxi driver’s number comes up on Friday the 13th

16 March 2026

The City’s traffic officers arrested a taxi driver with outstanding warrants exceeding R220 000. He was just one of 360 suspects arrested by the City’s enforcement agencies this past week.

City of Cape Town Traffic Officers arrested the minibus taxi driver during a roadblock operation along Jakes Gerwel Drive near the N2 at 07:44 on Friday, 13 March.

During routine checks on the driver and his vehicle fitness, officers conducted a verification for outstanding warrants of arrest.

The driver, a 54-year-old man from Athlone, was confirmed to have multiple outstanding warrants to the value of R220 150. He was arrested and detained at Athlone SAPS.

‘It was an unlucky day for this driver, but a timely reminder to all motorists to regularly check for outstanding fines and warrants of arrest, and to address these promptly to avoid possible arrest. While we receive many complaints about the behaviour of taxis on our roads, ordinary motorists also break the law and add to the recklessness in traffic.

‘To avoid a similar fate, best join the queue at the next Traffic Fine Roadshow, which just happens to be scheduled for next week in Athlone. Residents will once again have the opportunity to resolve fines, summonses or warrants at our popular roadshow, which coincidentally will take place in Athlone,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Traffic officers made 40 arrests – 34 for driving under the influence, one for reckless and negligent driving and five on various other charges.

They also recorded 45 756 offences, impounded 145 public transport vehicles and executed 1 713 warrants of arrest.

Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 204 arrests and issued 10 151 notices.

Metro Police made 116 arrests, issued 4 871 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions and confiscated a number of drugs including Mandrax, dagga and tik.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre received 1 490 requests for assistance – 501 medical incidents including 81 cases of assault; 51 cases of domestic violence, 46 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents and 363 by-law complaints.

The public can report any emergencies or transgressions to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office