Its been a busy seven days for the City’s various law enforcement departments, as the Western Cape’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested a total of 219 suspects on various charges and issued more than 83 400 fines. The Traffic Service also impounded 256 vehicles.
According to a statement from the City of Cape Town, during general enforcement in the past week, Traffic Officers arrested 19 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol and a further 20 for reckless and negligent driving. The Transport Enforcement Unit was also put to work when it was tasked with conducting operations throughout the metropole. During these operations, the unit managed to impound 210 vehicles and issued 3 308 fines for various offences relating to vehicle and road safety transgressions.
On Friday, March 19, Traffic officers conducted a street racing operation in the Durbanville area where they arrested 25 suspects – 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol and nine for reckless and negligent driving.
According to JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security: ” These motorists participating in an illegal street race know it’s against the law. To be arrested for drunk driving as an added offence shows the total disregard for road rules by some motorists. Innocent law abiding motorists, passengers and pedestrians’ lives are being put at risk and we will not allow this.”
JP Smith also confirmed that the City will continue to intensify its efforts in hotspot areas so that these reckless drivers can be taken off the road.
Metro Police:
The Metro Police were also kept busy throughout the last week. Metro Police officers arrested 87 suspects for offences relating to domestic violence, sexual offences, stolen property and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. In addition, 26 arrests were made for possession of or selling of drugs.
On Sunday, March 21, officers attended to a complaint of riotous behaviour and malicious damage to property in Macassar. The windows of a house were all thrown out by a 16-year-old suspect.
Later that same day, officers were on patrol along Beach Road in Strand when they spotted a white VW Golf with two occupants. While interviewing the driver, officers detected a strong smell of drugs in the vehicle. The driver admitted to having dagga in his possession. Upon consenting to a vehicle search by the driver, officers found three dagga stoppe, two packets of tik and nine mandrax halves. The driver, aged 34, was arrested for possession of drugs and was detained at Strand SAPS.
Law Enforcement:
During weekly operations, officers made 61 arrests and issued 4 815 fines. They also confiscated 133 units of alcohol and confiscated 43 items related to marine life. Law Enforcement patrols also assist with Covid-19 compliance and the wearing of masks. In this regard, officers issued 345 notices to individuals for failure to wear a mask.
“The increase in successful arrests and assistance to other enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service is important in crime prevention and to instil a sense of confidence in communities. We need the public to work with us by reporting anti-social and criminal behaviour. The City also relies heavily on our partnership with Neighbourhood Watches to address issues in communities,” added JP Smith.
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