Sun sets on drunk driver
19 October 2026
Drunk driver one of 474 suspects arrested by City enforcement departments this past week
The suspect was arrested following a pursuit with Ghost Squad officers during an operation at a sunset park-off event in Sea Point. He was one of 474 suspects arrested by City enforcement departments this past week.
The Ghost Squad conducted an operation in Sea Point on 18 October, amid complaints of wheel spinning, reckless driving and racing along Beach Road during sunset 'park-off' events.
When officers tried to pull over a white BMW for reckless and negligent driving, the driver instead accelerated in a bid to get away. At a parking area in Green Point, he lost control and side-swiped another vehicle.
Officers conducted a breathalyser test that put the suspect well over three times the prescribed legal limit.
The driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless and negligent driving. The vehicle was also impounded in terms of the City's Traffic By-law.
During the operation two more vehicles were impounded for operating without license plates.
'We issue repeated warnings to road users about their dangerous and unlawful behaviour, to no avail. This particular 'park off' gathering and the many other illegal racing events around the city elicit ongoing complaints from the public, and for good reason. We've impounded several vehicles since the amended Traffic By-Law came into effect, so I advise scofflaws to tread carefully or face the same consequence. There are legal ways to exercise their need for speed without putting the public at risk, so they really have no excuse for their behaviour,' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In general enforcement over the past week, Traffic Officers arrested 45 suspects, 34 for drunk driving, six for reckless and negligent driving, and five on other charges. They executed 1 342 warrants, impounded 198 public transport vehicles, and issued 59 227 fines.
Law Enforcement officers made 282 arrests and issued 12 393 notices.
Their Metro Police counterparts arrested 158 suspects, recovered six hijacked and/or stolen vehicles, two prohibited firearms and 23 rounds of ammunition, and issued 6 900 fines for various transgressions.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 2 604 calls, including 117 physical assault-related incidents, 53 domestic violence cases and 74 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Call agents also dealt with 425 noise nuisance complaints.
The public is reminded to report incidents and emergencies, or any suspicious and/or criminal activities, to the PECC on 021 480 7700, or to log by-law and traffic-related complaints using the Safety and Security feature on the City App.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
safety and security law enforcement Metro police
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