Cape Town: The end of January reflected in rise across the incidents categorised. The City of Cape Town enforcement agencies had their hands full this payday weekend.
Reportedly, it was the end of a long month for many and people let their hair down to celebrate. This was reflected in a rise across a number of categories of incidents reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) of the City of Cape Town.
As per the reports, PECC recorded:
- 1,842 incidents as compared to last year that was counted as 1,656
- 619 medical calls as compared to 584, last year
- 114 fires than 94
- 119 assault cases than 69
- 38 complaints of drinking in public, as recorded 22 last year
- 68 domestic violence cases that 51
- 63 motor vehicles and pedestrian accidents than 53, recorded last year
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that the increase in many categories noted alcohol that played role, where the physical safety of resident is compromised.
The payday weekends are always a concern and the enforcement staff brace for the inevitable consequences of reckless revelry.
Smith encouraged the residents to set the tone for the year by taking the responsibility for their actions and it includes responsible alcohol use. The officers will continue to ensure the safety of the communities and arrest those who flout the law.
Cape Town Traffic Officers made 46 arrests that included 36 for driving under the influence of alcohol, consisting of three for reckless and negligent driving and seven for other offences. The officers also executed 1,307 warrants that impounded 261 public transport vehicles and recorded 59,323 transgressions.
Furthermore, by dragging the racing operation along Strandfontein Road on Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 the officers recorded 106 transgressions and suspended five vehicles. Also, seven drivers were arrested during the operation, out of which six were for drunk driving, while the seventh was arrested for reckless and negligent driving as well as the possession of drugs.
According to JP Smith, complaints flooded in weekly of drag racing across the city. The high speeds mixed with alcohol, drugs and reckless behaviour is of concern. The operations and speed enforcement will continue encouraging the racing enthusiasts to not use the public roads.
Notably, the Metro Police Officers arrested 68 people for various offences including five for drunk driving and 37 for the possession or sale of drugs and confiscated a number of drugs including 46 packets of Tik, 26 of heroin capsules, 320 bundles of Khat and over 200 tablets of Mandrax.
The officers also issued 4,350 fines for traffic and by-law infringements, as Law Enforcement Officers apprehended 181 culprits.