The City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies recorded a sharp rise in arrests over the past week, with drunk driving cases nearly tripling and hundreds of units of alcohol confiscated during beach celebrations.

According to the City, 197 arrests were made across various operations, including 44 by traffic officers. Of these, 38 were for driving under the influence while the remaining arrests were for other offences. . This is up from 13 drunk driving arrests the previous week

Traffic services also recorded 41,095 offences, impounded 183 public transport vehicles, and executed 1,159 warrants of arrest.

At the same time, beach enforcement operations saw officials confiscate 799 units of alcohol during valedictory celebrations. While no major incidents were reported, authorities expressed concern over the continued disregard for alcohol bans in public spaces.

“The amount of alcohol confiscated is of concern, particularly as we’ve highlighted time and again that it is illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces, but also the potential consequences of driving or swimming under the influence,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith

Meanwhile, City enforcement agencies also recovered at least seven firearms during the week.

Law Enforcement officers made 120 arrests, issued 5,008 fines, and seized three firearms. Metro Police officers arrested 33 suspects, issued 1,721 fines for traffic and by-law offences, and recovered four firearms along with a range of drugs.

In one of the most recent incidents on Saturday, 4 October, Metro Police officers patrolling Town Two in Khayelitsha were alerted by the public to a group of five men reportedly armed.

After a pursuit, one suspect, aged 24, was apprehended and found in possession of a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off. He was detained at Lingelethu West SAPS for further investigation.

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