Bulk of weekly arrests due to drunk driving, says City of Cape Town

As the festive season approaches, statistics released by the City of Cape Town on 18 November 2019, show that nearly three-quarters of weekly arrests are due to drunk driving. 

According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Traffic and Metro Police Departments arrested 231 suspects in the last week alone. 

The latest incident of drunk driving 

In one of the latest incidents on 18 November, a taxi driver was arrested after a scuffle with traffic officers along Wetton Road.

“The driver ran away after being collared for drunk driving during a Transport Enforcement Unit operation. After he was caught, it also emerged that the 34-year-old has 40 outstanding warrants to the value of R64 650,” said Smith. 

The man is one of 125 arrests made by traffic officers in the last week. They also impounded 108 taxis, issued 2 795 fines for various offences, and served 196 warrants valued at R413 650.

During a series of roadblocks over the weekend, officers had the following successes:

• Bellville South: 1 arrest for driving under the influence; 3 for reckless and negligent driving
• Woodstock/Cape Town CBD: 24 arrests for driving under the influence
• Kuilsriver: 9 arrests for driving under the influence
• FW De Klerk Boulevard: 18 arrests for driving under the influence
• Goodwood: 18 arrests for driving under the influence
• Langa/Bishop Lavis: 11 arrests for driving under the influence
• Lentegeur: 21 arrests for driving under the influence; 1 for reckless and negligent driving

Selective enforcement or drunk driving

Smith said there are many who accuse the City’s Traffic Service of selective enforcement, when they should be focused on drunk driving instead.

“The statistics and roadblock enforcement records tell a different story, but the facts seldom matter. It’s astonishing how often people pick apart the enforcement efforts or the applicable legislation, but fail to show the same level of enthusiasm when it comes to criticising the bad behaviour that is so prevalent on our roads,” said Smith. 

“We need to stop making excuses for the absolute lawlessness that has become par for the course, and start holding ourselves and others accountable for their actions,” added Smith. 

Arrests made in the last week 

The City’s Metro Police officers arrested 106 suspects during operations in the last week.

Of those arrested, 66 were for drunk driving, while 40 others were arrested on various charges, including possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, stolen property, assault, riotous behaviour and house-breaking, among others. Officers also issued 1 428 fines for by-law and traffic offences.

“In one incident in Ocean View on Saturday 16 November 2019, Metro Police officers found two suspects in possession of a panga and a large knife. While making the arrests, officers were informed by a member of the public that the suspects had robbed him just a short while earlier. It later emerged that the two were allegedly linked to a shooting in the area too,” said Smith.   

Festive season safety 

Smith said that as we head into the festive season, the City calls on residents to please work with staff to make the period a safe and worry-free time for all law-abiding citizens by reporting drunk driving, concerns or tips directly to staff on the ground, or by calling our Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cell phone.