Law enforcement officials in Cape Town have reported a significant increase in drunk driving arrests during the most recent payday weekend. The number of cases nearly doubled, with a total of 330 arrests made during the past week. Out of the total arrests, 68 suspects were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, a substantial increase from the previous week’s 38 cases.
Concerns Raised by Mayoral Committee Member
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, expressed disappointment with the recurring trend of increased arrests during the payday weekend. He shared a disheartening story of a repeat offender who had yet to face a courtroom, emphasizing the need for the criminal justice system to act more swiftly to effect the necessary behavior change. Smith reassured that officers will continue to enforce the law, especially with the expected increase in traffic volumes on the roads during the upcoming summer season.
Recent Arrests
On Sunday, 27 August 2023, 14 suspects were arrested in Eerste River and Mfuleni during a vehicle checkpoint operation conducted by Metro Police officers. Charges included driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, and escape from custody. Similarly, Cape Town Station Deck’s CCTV operators detected a suspected drug dealing incident, which resulted in the arrest of two suspects in possession of mandrax and tik.
In another incident on Friday, 25 August 2023, a 43-year-old suspect was apprehended by officers after breaking into a vehicle in Strand Street, in the CBD. The suspect was found to be in possession of a laptop and was detained on charges of theft from a motor vehicle and malicious damage to property.
Law Enforcement Activity
Over the past week, the Metro Police department made a total of 54 arrests and issued 1,640 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions. The Cape Town Traffic Service arrested 70 motorists, with 62 of them charged with drunk driving and eight for reckless and negligent driving. The officers recorded 46,678 offenses, impounded 220 vehicles, and executed more than 2,000 warrants of arrest. Additionally, their Law Enforcement counterparts arrested 206 suspects and issued 2,660 notices for various transgressions.
Reminder of Ongoing Battle Against Road Fatalities
The alarming rise in drunk driving arrests during payday weekends serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against road fatalities and the reckless behavior of drivers under the influence of alcohol. While law enforcement officials continue to enforce the law, it is crucial for the justice system to take swifter action against these offenders, in order to achieve the desired behavioral change and to ensure the safety of all road users.
