The City's Traffic Service made 56 arrests – 45 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 11 for reckless and negligent driving.

Officers also recorded 40 634 offences, impounded 248 public transport vehicles and executed 2 062 warrants of arrest.

The overall number of drunk driving arrests among the three enforcement agencies was 56, compared to 98 a week ago.

'Drunk driving arrests fluctuate and there is a well-established correlation between the payday weekends and the number of arrests or related incidents. This is however cold comfort to the people whose lives are impacted by it – I am horrified to learn of the death of five young children this weekend, in a collision where the driver was arrested for drunk driving by the police.  We extend our sincere condolences to their loved ones. We speak often about the dangers associated with driving while impaired, but very few people listen, until the absolute worst scenario becomes a reality,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The City's Law Enforcement Department made 229 arrests and issued 939 fines, while their Metro Police counterparts made 88 arrests and issued 1 956 fines.

Metro Police officers also confiscated various quantities of drugs including dagga, tik, mandrax and heroin, as well as numerous dangerous weapons.

They also responded to at least 10 domestic violence complaints, and arrested a 56-year-old man in Ocean View, for being in violation of a protection order.

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