More than a hundred drunk driving arrests, at least 77 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents and numerous fatalities – the latest recorded early this morning on the N1, are of grave concern.
‘These statistics are incredibly concerning, because once again it illuminates the very poor adherence to the rules of the road. This continued carnage is an indictment on our society, because so much of it relates directly to the mindset, attitude and behaviour of a person in the driving seat of a vehicle. It’s also further proof that road safety is a year-round crisis, and not just over the holiday periods. When and where do we draw the line? Road safety is not a joke. Losing a loved one because of their own reckless actions, or the actions of another road user is no laughing matter … so when will we start treating it with the seriousness it deserves?’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Among the motor vehicle accidents recorded since Friday are:
- A collision on the N1 this morning, where the driver of a vehicle heading outbound lost control, breached the median and collided with a vehicle heading into the CBD. One person died in that collision
- A single vehicle accident in the early hours of Sunday, 30 October 2022, where the driver apparently lost control of his vehicle at the Jakes Gerwel exit to Weltevreden Road. An adult male was declared deceased on scene
- Four vehicles involved in a collision along Baden Powell Drive on Saturday afternoon, 29 October 2022. A 41-year-old male was declared deceased on scene
In general enforcement operations over the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 408 arrests and issued 81 377 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.
The week before, officers made 343 arrests – an increase of nearly 20% week on week.
TRAFFIC SERVICE
A total of 125 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 110 for driving under the influence of alcohol
- 15 for reckless and negligent driving
Officers recorded 71 794 traffic offences, impounded 120 public transport vehicles and executed 1 319 warrants of arrest.
On Sunday, 30 October 2022, officers attached to the Ghost Squad were involved in a high speed chase with a motorcyclist who was driving recklessly on the N1, and had no number plates on display either.
He was eventually forced to stop on Plattekloof Road, and was found in possession of a modified 9mm firearm and ammunition.
The 23-year-old suspect was charged for reckless or negligent driving, failure to stop, possession of a dangerous weapon and for failing to display a number plate on his motorcycle, and detained at Brackenfell SAPS.
The motorcycle was impounded.
LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Law Enforcement officers conducted 587 operations, during which they made 139 arrests and issued 4 146 fines.
METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officers made 144 arrests, including nine for driving under the influence of alcohol, and issued 5 437 traffic and by-law notices.
At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 30 October 2022, officers were on patrol in Mitchell’s Plain, when they spotted a vehicle without number plates.
They stopped the vehicle and noticed that the occupants appeared nervous, so officers requested permission to search the vehicle – they found tyres in the boot, and underneath the tyres, the officers found a set of number plates. Upon checking, the plates were linked to a case in Claremont of business robbery and Assault GBH.
They also found just over R2 000 in counterfeit notes in the vehicle, as well as a mandrax tablet.
Two men, aged 38 and 41 were detained at Lentegeur SAPS.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTRE (PECC)
The past weekend saw the PECC record 2 203 incidents, up from 1 864 the weekend before, which included 223 assaults, up from 141, 30 domestic violence cases and 55 motor vehicle accidents and 22 pedestrian-vehicle accidents.
Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the PECC on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Source: City Of Cape Town