News

A Week of Enforcement and Emergency Services Challenges: Addressing Offences and Speeding

May 29, 2023

1 min read

In the past week, the city’s enforcement agencies have been busy tackling various offences. A total of 57,604 offences were recorded, and 276 arrests were made. With nearly 30,000 speeding offences witnessed, concerns regarding road safety are growing.

Speeding Offences

More than half of the offences recorded by the Traffic Service relate to drivers exceeding the speed limit. Extreme speeding instances include a motorist travelling at 139 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, another at 137 km/h in a 70 km/h zone, and a third at 150 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

Concerns and Urging for Responsible Driving

Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, expressed his concerns regarding these trends. He stated that the actual number of speeding offences is likely higher than reported, and many arguments attempt to justify this reckless behavior. Smith emphasized the difficulty of slowing down or reacting to road hazards in dry conditions, which will worsen with the expected rainy weather.

Smith urged road users to consider their actions and remember that even minor motor vehicle accidents can cause significant inconvenience and traffic congestion. Everyone must strive for safer roads by ensuring their vehicles are in proper condition and driving responsibly at all times.

Other Offences

In addition to tackling speeding offences, Traffic officers arrested 40 motorists in the past week. Of the 40, 30 were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and ten were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Furthermore, 236 public transport vehicles were impounded, and 1,912 warrants of arrest were executed.

The city’s Metro Police officers also had a busy week, making 70 arrests and issuing 3,016 fines.

Law Enforcement Department Actions

The City’s Law Enforcement Department officers made an impressive 166 arrests and issued 3,635 notices for various transgressions in the past week.

Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) Incidents

Over the weekend, the PECC logged 1,754 incidents, including 843 calls for medical assistance, 47 domestic violence cases, 116 cases of assault, as well as 68 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Reporting Suspicious or Criminal Behaviour

City residents are encouraged to contact the PECC at 021 480 7700 from cellphones or 107 from landlines to report any suspicious or criminal behaviour.

As the city navigates through the challenges posed by the alarming number of offences, the enforcement and emergency services remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain safety and order. The importance of responsible driving cannot be overstated, and a collective effort is necessary to create a safer environment for all.

Tags:

Serjio Zakharoff
Latest posts

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Maximising ROI: How CEOs Can Use Recruitment Agencies to Drive Business Growth

As business leaders, CEOs constantly search for strategic tools to drive growth and maximise return on investment (ROI). One such avenue is leveraging the expertise of recruitment services. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured Ability South Africa) stands out as a leading player in the recruitment and staffing solutions industry, offering a blend of innovative strategies and time-tested methods to enhance your business performance. The Strategic Advantage of Recruitment Agencies In today’s fast-paced business world, the right staffing decisions are crucial. Recruitment agencies like MASA offer a streamlined, efficient approach to hiring that brings numerous benefits: 1. Access

Durban Super Giants Outshine Paarl Royals in SA20 Cricket League

The Durban Super Giants and Paarl Royals went headtohead in an exhilarating cricket match that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game took place at the Kingsmead Stadium, a renowned venue for cricket, and was the talk of the town. The Super Giants emerged victorious, cementing their supremacy in the SA20 league.

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.

the ultimate mother city guide