The past week saw the City’s enforcement operations clamp down on illegal drug dealers, motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and the impoundment of taxis, with 135 arrests and 8 131 fines issued, as well as 132 taxi impoundments.
On Friday, 18 October 2019, traffic flow in and around the Station Deck was blocked by taxi drivers who protested against the issuing of traffic fines, warrants of arrests for road traffic contraventions and the impoundments of minibus taxis operating illegally. These protests caused serious traffic congestion and disruption in the Central Business District of Cape Town.
‘The City cannot allow taxi drivers to take the law into their hands and hold innocent and law abiding motorists ransom by taking their frustration to the streets, blocking roads and causing public order disruption and putting the lives of residents in danger, ’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
During various road blocks in the past week, the City’s Traffic Service netted 76 suspects for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, during an operation in the southern suburbs, officers impounded 20 taxis, confiscated 45 cell phones and issued 4 167 fines – the bulk for speeding.
‘The continued disregard for the law in the public transport sector is of grave concern, and so too the attempted resistance to our enforcement operations. However, this sector isn’t the only problem. There are many private road users who also need to reconsider their actions. Whether it is drunk driving or speeding or reckless and negligent driving, the City will not tolerate this type of behaviour from anyone. Many motorists complain about the taxis, but fail to take accountability for their own actions,’ said Alderman Smith.
METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT
During crime prevention patrols, Metro Police officers arrested 58 motorists for driving while under the influence of alcohol and 45 suspects on various charges which included the illegal possession of drugs, resisting arrest, theft out of motor vehicle, possession of a dangerous weapon, robbery, trespassing, possession of stolen property and defeating the ends of justice. Members also issued 1 096 fines for by-law and traffic contraventions.
In addition, officers confiscated various quantities of drugs. In one incident, officers attached to the Gang and Drug Task Team reacted swiftly and searched an informal structure in Gugulethu on Friday 18 October 2019. They found 109 packets of tik, mandrax tablets, dagga and R2 400 in cash. A 23-year-old male was arrested for dealing in drugs and was transported to Gugulethu SAPS where he was detained.
‘The City’s enforcement agencies prioritise serious offences based on operational deliverables and we will not hesitate to act swiftly against criminals. It’s our duty to protect and to serve and we will continue to do so. We will intensify our enforcement programmes as we are moving closer to the summer season. We would once again like to request the public to inform us of any criminal behaviour so that we can investigate and improve on our efforts to ensure law and order ’ added Alderman Smith.