Cape Town’s enforcement agencies recorded a total of 197 arrests in the past week, with authorities noting a sharp rise in drunk driving cases and hundreds of alcohol confiscations during valedictory beach celebrations.
According to the City, traffic officers made 44 arrests, 38 for driving under the influence and six for other offences, marking a near three-fold increase from the previous week’s 13 drunk driving arrests.
Officers also recorded 41 095 traffic offences, impounded 183 public transport vehicles, and executed 1 159 warrants of arrest.
“The amount of alcohol confiscated is of concern, particularly as we’ve highlighted time and again that it is illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces, but also the potential consequences of driving or swimming under the influence,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
“Fortunately there were no major incidents reported during the valedictory celebrations. On the roads, we witnessed once again the spike in drunk driving that has become commonplace over payday and month-end weekends. It’s mind-boggling, considering the many other options that are available. I want to remind motorists and the public in general that a good time and good decisions are NOT mutually exclusive.”
On the beaches, officers confiscated *799 units of alcohol* during the recent valedictory festivities.
Meanwhile, City enforcement agencies also recovered at least seven firearms during the week. Law Enforcement officers made 120 arrests, recovered three firearms, and issued 5 008 fines for traffic and by-law offences.
Metro Police officers made 33 arrests, recovered four firearms, issued 1 721 notices, and seized various drugs.
In one of the latest incidents, on Saturday, October 4, Metro Police officers in Khayelitsha arrested a 24-year-old suspect after recovering a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off.
The arrest followed a public tip-off about five armed males in the area. The suspect was detained at Lingelethu West SAPS for further investigation.
The City said its enforcement operations would continue to focus on reducing alcohol-related offences and gun violence in the weeks ahead.
News
