The City’s enforcement agencies conducted 325 arrests and issued 57 854 fines for various offences in the past week. Notably, there was a significant rise in the number of arrests made for drunk driving and an increase in the incidents of motor vehicle accidents reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.
Also read: Dina Rodriques, who planned baby’s murder, eligible for parole in 8 years
During the reported period, the City’s traffic service apprehended 69 drivers, 54 of whom were charged with driving under the influence, compared to 33 arrests made in the previous week. Seven drivers were arrested for reckless and negligent driving, while eight others were detained on different charges.
The officers recorded 51 242 offences, impounded 252 public transport vehicles, and executed 1 191 warrants of arrest.
Over the past weekend, the Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 935 incidents in a 48-hour period. Among these incidents were 147 assaults, 48 cases of domestic violence, 64 motor vehicle accidents (compared to 47 the previous weekend), and 15 pedestrian-vehicle accidents.
‘There has been a marked increase in the number of drunk driving arrests week on week, as well as motor vehicle accidents. We’ve also seen marginal increases in assault cases reported to our public emergency communication centre this past weekend.’
‘Unfortunately, these statistics are not surprising, and it’s likely the overall picture is far bleaker, as not all incidents are necessarily reported through the same channels, or reported at all.’
‘The payday weekend phenomenon is sadly very well established and once again underscores the devastating role that irresponsible alcohol use plays in our society. With the month-end weekend and a number of long weekends looming, I want to renew my call not only on our motorists, but the public in general to take responsibility for their actions and to not put their lives or that of others around them, on the line,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.
In the last week, the City’s law enforcement department made 219 arrests and issued 3 904 fines, while the Metro Police force made 37 arrests and issued 2 708 fines for various traffic and by-law violations.
On Sunday, 26 March 2023, officers acted on a tip-off about drugs being stored at a location in Heideveld. As a result of the operation, they seized drugs worth a street value of approximately R16 000.
In Eerste River, on Saturday, 25 March 2023, Metro Police officers detained an individual for possessing an illegal firearm.
The officers approached a taxi that was causing an obstruction and discovered a sling bag on the driver’s side during their conversation with him. When they asked for consent to search the bag, the driver attempted to flee but was captured.
Upon examination, the officers found a pistol and two rounds of ammunition. The 31-year-old suspect was taken into custody.
Also read:
Update on sewer repair and traffic management on Prince George’s Drive
Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook