Warrant-related arrests increase

14 May 2025

The Traffic Services has recorded a 16% increase in motorists who have ended up behind bars for outstanding warrants – interestingly, the number of warrants executed over the same period has dropped by nearly 24%. Read more below:

The Traffic Services' latest quarterly report served at the most recent Safety and Security Portfolio Committee meeting earlier this month.

A more global view of the financial year to date shows that the number of warrants executed has dropped by 24%, but the number of motorists who have been arrested and taken to court has increased by 16%.

'The process of serving a warrant is generally challenging; however, the data also corresponds with an increase in the frequency of our roadshows, where motorists can settle fines and outstanding warrants in a central location. The returns from the last outing in Parow saw representations on more than 32 000 outstanding fines and warrants, with a total value of more than R14 million. This week, the roadshow returns to Lentegeur, and we are confident that even more people will come forward and do the right thing,' said Chairperson of the City's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

In terms of traffic fine administration, a motorist can either pay a fine or appear in court to contest it. Failure to do either, results in a summons to appear in court – if the accused still does not take any action, a warrant is issued.

If it is a single warrant, an accused will be released on a warning and provided with a new date to appear in court – if they fail to do so, a double warrant is issued.

'It is usually under this particular circumstance where a motorist will be arrested and taken to the holding cells until their court appearance. Over a nine-month period, this was the reality for just over 12 000 individuals – an increase of 16% compared to the previous year. It's unfortunate, considering how many opportunities there are to do the right thing before the cuffs come out,' added Councillor Nqavashe.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office