Cape Town - A spike in public drinking complaints has been recorded in Cape Town for November of more than double the number of complaints received in mid-October.
The City said its Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) received an increase in calls during November.
“This past weekend, the PECC logged 33 incidents of drinking in public, which is in contravention of the City’s by-laws, more than double the number of complaints in mid-October (15).
“Call-takers also recorded 133 incidents of assault, 23 domestic violence calls and 70 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
“At the Law Enforcement liquor pound, which has been operational since 1 November, staff members have already logged 629 bottles of confiscated alcohol, amounting to 348.5 litres – not including confiscations that were made this past weekend.
“In addition, at least 98 motorists were arrested in the past week for driving under the influence of alcohol,” the City said.
Safety and security Mayco member JP Smith said the statistics were likely to increase dramatically in the weeks ahead.
“We have spoken about this often enough for people to be well acquainted with the law and the dangers associated with drinking in public, as well as driving while drunk.
“I therefore have very little sympathy for anyone who is caught indulging in this type of behaviour. Just know that your selfish actions put your own safety at risk, but also that of those around you.
“Our enforcement services have their hands full every week, dealing with so many different issues. It’s mind-boggling that we have to spend so much time policing poor choices,” Smith said.
On the roads, Cape Town Traffic Services arrested 82 individuals, including 61 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 17 for reckless and negligent driving.
Officers impounded 149 public transport vehicles, executed 1 437 warrants of arrest and recorded 75 301 offences, including a motorist driving at 161km/h in a 60km/h zone on Otto Du Plessis Drive, and another doing 178km/h on the M3, which is a 100km/h zone.
Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 178 arrests and issued 5 573 notices for various offences, while metro police officers made 132 arrests (37 for driving under the influence and eight for reckless and negligent driving) and issued 3 220 traffic and by-law fines.
Cape Times