The City of Cape Town has issued a stern warning to motorists to refrain from driving under the influence or risk arrest, following a significant rise in drunk driving cases over the past week.
Traffic and metro police officers made a total of 105 arrests for drunk driving in the past week, more than triple the 27 arrests recorded the previous week, the city said in a statement.
DRUNK DRIVING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
The city’s mayoral committee (mayco) member for safety and security JP Smith warned that drunk driving will not be tolerated, and those caught driving under the influence will face immediate arrest.
“We’re off to a boozy start and this does not bode well for the weeks ahead. At best you will be arrested, spend time in jail and have a criminal record. Our accident statistics speak for themselves. This is not the gift you want to give yourself or your loved ones, so don’t drink and drive,” he said.
In separate incidents, metro police officers arrested 93 people and confiscated a number of drugs, including 105 bundles of khat and 25 packets of tik.
Law enforcement officers made 138 arrests and issued 6 805 notices for various by-law offences.
CITY REPORTS RISE IN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CALLS
Meanwhile, the city also reported a spike in domestic violence calls.
“The previous weekend, 48 domestic violence calls were received and the spike is disconcerting. As we come up in a time when there is a focus on gender based violence, I encourage our communities to stand together against the attacks on our women and children,” said Smith.
The city also recorded 19 cases of assault, 424 medical calls, 231 noise nuisance calls, and 60 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents in the past week.
Residents have been urged to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
What steps can we all take to ensure our friends and family never get behind the wheel after drinking?
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