The City of Cape Town’s enforcement departments had another busy week, with numerous arrests for drunk and reckless driving, but also an increase in trauma-related calls to the Public Emergency Communication Centre.

In the past week, the City’s Traffic Service made 90 arrests – 33 of those during illegal street racing operations over the weekend.

Among those arrested were 69 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, 19 for reckless and negligent driving, one for participating in an illegal street race and one for possession of a fraudulent driver’s license.

Officers also impounded 133 public transport vehicles, executed 1 289 warrants of arrest and recorded 66 647 traffic violations.

‘The number of drunk drivers arrested has increased from last week’s 36. It’s the first weekend of the new month and could be attributed to the end of the month partying; however, that is no excuse to get behind the wheel inebriated as these drivers found out. For them it was a trip to jail, but for others it could be a ticket to the hospital or the morgue. As more people take to the road with the sunnier weather, I want to encourage drivers to be responsible. Don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth your life or that of your loved ones,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

PUBLIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTRE

Overall incidents reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre increased, with a notable increase in the assault category.

‘It is disconcerting that the violence people inflict on each other shows the biggest jump. This includes physical and sexual assault, as well as incidents where weapons are used to injure or kill. The violence in our communities have far reaching effects and damages even those not involved in the incidents. Residents live in fear and experience depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress. Our officers across the directorate will continue to clamp down on this damaging behaviour,’ added Alderman Smith.

Category              23 – 25 September          30 September – 2 October

Overall number of incidents        1 870      2 024

Assault (physical and other)        172         207

Motor vehicle accidents                49           58

Pedestrian/vehicle accidents      15           17

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Officers made 110 arrests for various offences including possession of drugs, firearms, imitation firearms and other dangerous weapons.

They also issued 2 916 notices for various by-law offences

Source: City Of Cape Town