There was a surge in drunk driving arrests during the Easter weekend across the country.
Image: FILE: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
More than 15,000 suspects were arrested and illegal firearms seized during the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Easter operations, while traffic authorities recorded a sharp rise in drunk driving cases over the same period.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), “multiple law enforcement agencies led by the SAPS implemented heightened visibility patrols, roadblocks, and targeted crime-prevention initiatives” during the holiday period.
“These efforts have yielded significant results, with the arrest of 15 840 suspects for various crimes ranging from murder to rape,” police said.
A total of 132 illegal and unlicensed firearms, including 1,097 rounds of ammunition, were seized. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of handgun recoveries, confiscating 42 firearms.
Police also seized 747 dangerous weapons, including knives, stating that “these confiscations are a critical step in our ongoing fight against violent crime”.
Authorities intensified action against illegal liquor outlets, shutting down 532 taverns and shebeens for non-compliance with the law. A further 773 suspects were arrested for selling alcohol without licences.
“By shutting down illegal taverns and arresting those who sell liquor unlawfully, law enforcement is taking a firm stand against environments that enable crime to thrive,” SAPS said.
Drunk driving remained a key focus, with 1,419 suspects arrested nationwide. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number at 588 arrests.
On drug-related offences, police confirmed that “the fight against drugs remains an urgent priority for government to build safer communities,” with 1,744 suspects arrested for possession.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the dedication and bravery of our law enforcement officers who continue to work tirelessly, often under dangerous conditions to rid our communities of crime, adding that their efforts “are making a tangible difference in the country”.
Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported a surge in drunk driving arrests.
The agency confirmed that “arrests related to driving under the influence of alcohol increased by a staggering 39 percent as law enforcement officers intensified their efforts to save lives on the roads”.
Vehicle impoundments also rose, with the RTMC noting “a noticeable 31.6 percent increase in the number of vehicles impounded”.
“This means there were more vehicles transporting members without permits or in violation of permit conditions as people tried to make a quick buck,” the agency said.
However, it added that “there was a sharp decrease in the number of unroadworthy vehicles as the number of discontinued vehicles showed a decline of nearly 30 percent”.
Law enforcement operations are expected to continue as the holiday period concludes.
“Motorists are urged to cooperate with officials and comply with all the rules. It is always better to arrive home late than not to arrive at all,” the RTMC said.
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