Statistics from the payday weekend have once again seen an increase in a number of problematic behaviours and public safety issues – including assaults, motor vehicle accidents and drunk driving arrests.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication logged 1 631 incidents over the weekend.
As expected, the majority of the calls are for medical assistance or by-law transgressions; however a comparison of some critical categories show a marked increase compared to the previous weekend.
| Category | 17 – 19 June | 24 – 26 June |
| Assault | 84 | 130 |
| Domestic Violence | 17 | 18 |
| Motor vehicle accidents | 34 | 49 |
| Pedestrian accidents | 7 | 23 |
‘The payday weekend phenomenon is not new, and it is any person’s right to let their hair down after a long week or month of work. The concern is that, in too many instances, that enjoyment results in poor choices that end up getting an individual hurt, or them hurting someone else. For years we have highlighted the link between alcohol and public safety, as well as the consequences, so it really is disappointing to see the continued spike in public safety incidents whenever these payday weekends roll around.
The trend was even more apparent during an evening spent with our enforcement services this weekend, where more than two dozen motorists were arrested for drunk driving, and nearly a dozen others for reckless and negligent driving – during just one operation. I cannot understand how so many of our road users continue to think that this type of behaviour is okay. It is not. Your actions could put someone in the hospital, or worse, the morgue, and you behind bars for a very long time,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
On Saturday 25 June, the City conducted a multi-departmental operation to address criminal activity, improve safety and also respond to numerous complaints of illegal trading in Athlone and Gatesville.
Officers issued 865 fines for various traffic and bylaw transgressions, and arrested 22 individuals for outstanding warrants, possession of drugs, dangerous weapons and stolen property, and for dealing in liquor.
The goods of four illegal traders were impounded and three traders were fined for ignoring compliance notices previously served on them.
Nine individuals were fined for not having any trading permits and three for trading at bus benches. One woman was also arrested for damage to City property after she allegedly damaged a vehicle with an iron bar and bricks.
‘The City supports the right of residents to make a living, and has, in recent years committed to a number of concessions for informal traders, particularly to soften the economic impact of Covid-19. However, traders are required to have permits and the City is duty-bound to ensure that everyone complies with the law. A situation where traders who have complied with the law and acquired permits have to trade alongside stallholders who have not, has generated complaints that the City could not ignore,’ added Alderman Smith.
GENERAL ENFORCEMENT: 20 – 26 JUNE 2022
On the roads, the City’s Traffic Service made 51 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and 16 for reckless and negligent driving.
Officers also impounded 174 public transport vehicles and executed 1 294 warrants of arrest for outstanding fines and summonses.
A total of 36 356 speeding offences were recorded and 28 939 fines were issued for various traffic violations.
Metro Police officers arrested seven motorists for driving under the influence, out of a total of 161 arrests for the week. They also issued 2 951 fines for traffic and bylaw transgressions.
On Sunday 26 June 2022, Metro Police officers alerted the CCTV control room that they were assisting SAPS members in the search for a vehicle that was taken during a house robbery.
According to tracking data, the vehicle was stationary in Hanover Park, but then started moving towards Bonteheuwel.
Officers found the vehicle abandoned in the area, and their CCTV colleagues were then able to detect that two suspects exited the vehicle and were about to board a minibus taxi.
Officers arrested the duo and detained them at Bishop Lavis SAPS for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Law Enforcement officers made 80 arrests in the past week, and issued 3 333 notices.
