Weekly enforcement operations lead to 283 arrests

15 May 2023

The City of Cape Town’s enforcement departments arrested 283 suspects in the past week and issued 59 834 fines for various transgressions. While the Public Emergency Communication Centre had a reasonably quiet weekend, road accidents remain a concern. 

During the past week, the Law Enforcement Department made 179 arrests, and issued 3 536 fines.

Their Metro Police counterparts made 52 arrests and issued 5 402 fines.

The officers recovered various quantities of drugs including mandrax, tik and dagga.

'Drug-related offences continue to feature prominently, and many of the successes are the result of public tip-offs. The sale and abuse of substances is at the root of many other crimes which impact society. Dealing swiftly and effectively with these offences does not act only as a deterrent, but can prevent an escalation to more serious incidents,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

On the roads, Cape Town Traffic Services held integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations this past week and recorded 50 896 offences.

They impounded 231 public transport vehicles, executed 1 133 warrants of arrest and made 52 arrests - 40 for driving under the influence and 12 for reckless and negligent driving.

Meanwhile, the Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 52 motor vehicle accidents and 17 pedestrian vehicle accidents over a 48-hour period this weekend.

'The statistics recorded by the PECC for road accidents have been consistently high in recent weeks, and so it is prudent to remind road users once more to take responsibility for their own safety, but also that of others. Drunk and reckless driving does increase the risk of collisions and injuries, but there are other factors too, like distracted driving, but also, the change in road conditions as the seasons change. Please drive with your headlights on, obey the speed limit at all times and be extra alert for pedestrians. To persons walking along our roads, please make sure that you are wearing brightly coloured clothing and refrain from jaywalking, to minimise the risk of being run over. We all have a role to play in making our roads safer,' added 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