STATS | Is Cape Town the drunk driving capital of South Africa?
· The South African
Cape Town’s enforcement agencies made 338 arrests and issued nearly 65 000 fines over the past week, with drunk driving once again emerging as a major concern during the long weekend.
According to the City of Cape Town, a total of 64 987 fines were issued across various traffic and by-law offences, while 108 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol – one of the highest weekly drunk-driving figures recorded so far this year.
Visit h-doctor.club for more information.
Reckless and negligent driving
Traffic officers were responsible for 76 arrests, including 60 for driving under the influence, two for reckless and negligent driving, and 14 for other offences.
Officials also recorded 50 798 traffic violations, impounded 176 public transport vehicles, and executed 1 392 outstanding warrants of arrest.
Metro Police and Law Enforcement officers added a further 48 drunk-driving arrests, bringing the total number of DWI-related arrests to 108.
Criticised offenders
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith sharply criticised offenders, warning that drunk driving continues to place unnecessary strain on city resources and endanger innocent road users.
He said authorities have little tolerance for motorists who choose to drive while intoxicated, despite widespread transport alternatives.
Meanwhile, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre responded to 1 820 incidents over the long weekend.
Among the reported cases were:
- 109 physical assaults
- 63 domestic violence incidents
- 288 noise complaints
- 27 reports of public drinking and fighting
- 72 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents
Metro Police officers also conducted extensive patrols, making 113 arrests and issuing 4 673 traffic and by-law fines.
Stolen vehicles
In separate anti-crime operations, the Metro Police Anti-Hijacking Unit successfully recovered two stolen vehicles on 25 April in Brown’s Farm and Kanana Informal Settlement within just over 30 minutes.
Law Enforcement officers recorded 199 arrests and issued 9 616 notices during weekly operations.
In Manenberg, LEAP officers recovered nearly six kilograms of dagga and more than R16 000 in cash on Freedom Day, arresting a 19-year-old suspect.
City officials say the figures highlight both the scale of enforcement operations and the ongoing public safety challenges facing Cape Town, particularly over holiday periods when incidents linked to alcohol, violence and road safety often increase.