Drunk driver arrested after high-speed chase with Ghost Squad in Sea Point

A drunk driver found himself behind bars after leading law enforcement on a pursuit during a notorious ‘park-off’ event in Sea Point, Cape {town} Etc reports.

This incident, which unfolded on 18 October around sunset, was part of a broader crackdown by the City’s enforcement departments, resulting in the arrest of 474 suspects that week alone.

The Ghost Squad, responding to ongoing complaints about reckless driving and illegal racing on Beach Road, initiated a stop on a white BMW observed speeding through the area. Defying the officers’ orders, the driver accelerated away, only to lose control moments later in a nearby parking area in Green Point, sideswiping another vehicle in the process.

A breathalyser test conducted by the officers revealed that the suspect was dangerously over the legal alcohol limit, registering more than three times the prescribed level.

In addition to driving under the influence, he faced charges for reckless and negligent driving. The City’s Traffic By-law also led to the impounding of his vehicle, as part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal road behaviours.

Mayco for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith expressed his frustration over the persistent disregard for road safety regulations:

‘We issue repeated warnings to road users about their dangerous and unlawful behaviour, to no avail. This particular “park-off” gathering and the many other illegal racing events around the city elicit ongoing complaints from the public, and for good reason,’ he stated vigorously.

According to the latest enforcement statistics, the same week saw Traffic Officers arrest 45 individuals, including 34 for drunk driving, alongside numerous others for reckless behaviour and various charges.

The scale of law enforcement activity was significant, with 1,342 warrants executed, 198 public transport vehicles impounded, and a staggering 59 227 fines issued.

Moreover, law enforcement officers made 282 arrests, while the Metro Police unit seized six hijacked or stolen vehicles, two prohibited firearms, and 23 rounds of ammunition, alongside 6 900 fines for assorted transgressions.

Meanwhile, the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) documented 2 604 calls, which included multiple incidents of physical assault, domestic violence, and several vehicle-related accidents.

As citizens continue to express concern over road safety, the authorities are urging the public to report incidents or suspicious activities by contacting PECC at 021 480 7700 or logging traffic-related complaints via the Safety and Security feature on the City App.