The City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies issued more than 56 000 fines over the past week, with 164 people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Read more below:
‘Our departments have been ramping up efforts to stem the tide of lawlessness on our roads and in our communities. Traffic Service and the Metro Police Department issued more than 56 000 fines for various offences over the last five days for minor transgressions such as an expired license to more serious offences such as speeding, inconsiderate driving, jumping red traffic lights and stop street offences to name a few.
‘Clearly, people think they can get away with breaking the law as weekly our agencies arrest huge numbers of drunk drivers and fine thousands of others. The message is clear: the City’s Safety and Security Directorate will not allow the blatant disregard for law and order to continue,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Cape Town Traffic Services arrested 315 suspects, impounded 226 vehicles, 127 cell phones and issued 54 111 fines from 26 January to 2 February.
In a drag racing operation held in the Plattekloof area on 27 January, officers arrested one person for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and issued 215 fines for various other offences; while in a similar operation held in the Athlone/Ottery areas, officers arrested 18 suspects of which 12 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless/negligent driving, one for resisting arrest and one for the possession of illegal substances.
‘It is serious enough to drive under the influence, but to then take part in a dangerous illegal activity which involves speed and innocent bystanders, is reckless. Any illegal activity always puts innocent lives at risk and it is our duty to ensure roads are safe for everyone. I am encouraged by the hard work of our officers and will continue to laud them for their sterling efforts,’ said Alderman Smith.
Metro Police officers arrested 16 suspects on various charges which include illegal possession of drugs, robbery, domestic violence, malicious damage to property, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, resisting arrest, assault and reckless and negligent driving during crime prevention patrols and operations across the Metro. Officers also issued 2051 fines for various bylaw and traffic contraventions.
On Sunday 2 February 2020; Metro Police Members were busy with a drunken driving operation in Botfontein Road, Kraaifontein. The officers netted four motorists for DUI.
On Friday 31 January, officers attached to the Gang Drug Task Team (GDTT) were busy with crime prevention patrols in NY 109 when they acted on information relating to an illegal firearm kept on the premises.
The officers found two suspects on the premises and, after searching the property, they recovered a 9mm pistol with 14 x 9mm live rounds of ammunition under the bed. Both suspects, aged 25 and 36 were arrested for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and were detained at Gugulethu police station.
Law enforcement successes include issuing 4276 notices, 120 liquor impoundments, 21 joint operations with the South African Police Service and 270 general impoundments.
‘This is only the tip of the iceberg and our officers do many more operations, often in conjunction with other role players. Many more people are arrested for the possession of and dealing in drugs, illegal firearms and stolen property being confiscated. The war on crime can only be won if we all work together,’ said Alderman Smith.
Source: City Of Cape Town