Weekly enforcement patrols by the City’s Traffic Service, Metro Police and Law Enforcement Departments saw officers arresting 355 suspects and issuing 67 740 fines during weekly enforcement operations. Officers arrested more than 80 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. The public emergency communication centre dealt with 1724 emergency calls over the weekend.
On Sunday morning, 18 September 2022 Metro Police officers were on crime prevention patrols in the Ottery and Wetton areas where they arrested six male suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspects aged between 27 and 61 years were detained at Lansdowne South African Police Service (SAPS)
On the same day, officers were conducting stop and search patrols in Hanover Park when they arrested a male in Athry Walk for the illegal possession of a plastic packet containing Tik. The suspect also had a kitchen knife in his possession and could not provide a valid reason for carrying the knife. Officers added an additional charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. Another suspect was arrested between Downberg and Surran Roads for the illegal possession of Tik. Both suspects were detained at Philippi SAPS.
During general enforcement patrols in the past week, Metro Police officers arrested 119 suspects which included 59 for illegal possession of drugs and 13 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Officers also issued 4294 fines.
TRAFFIC SERVICE
Cape Town Traffic officers issued 59 403 fines and arrested 78 suspects of which 70 were for driving under the influence of alcohol and eight for reckless and negligent driving. Officers also issued 1512 warrants of arrest and impounded 128 public transport vehicles.
PUBLIC EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTRE(PECC)
The PECC received 1 724 calls over the past weekend, of which 747 were medical emergency related calls. The centre also dealt with 98 physical assault incidents and fielded 121 prank calls. The increase in prank calls is a reason for concern as it is wasting time and impacts on callers with a serious emergency trying to phone for assistance.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
During the past week, the City’s Law Enforcement Department officers conducted 597 enforcement operations, resulting in 158 arrests and 4043 fines. Of the arrests made, 71 were for illegal possession of drugs and 20 for possession of a dangerous weapon. Law Enforcement Advancement Plan officers accounted for 112 arrests.
‘The number of motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol is a concern and shows that some motorists are willing to take the risk. The danger that drunk drivers cause extend further than their own safety – they are a danger to passengers, other road users and pedestrians. They also show a lack of respect and responsibility and a disregard for traffic regulations. If found guilty a driver will have a criminal record with far reaching consequences,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Residents are reminded to phone 021 480 77 00 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline to report an emergency or criminal activity.
Source: City Of Cape Town