Results of Safely Home Weekend Traffic Operations

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

The past weekend's 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the Western Cape saw a total of 3 563 vehicles stopped as part of the Provincial Government's Safely Home campaign. Twenty-two drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after a total of 1 688 drivers were screened by officials. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Knysna at 1.04 mg/1 000 ml.

A total 842 speeding offences were also recorded.

The highest speed was recorded in Brackenfell with the driver recorded at 185 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

A driver was also arrested for speeding at 166 km/h in a 120 km/h zone near Beaufort West.

Fines issued for a number of traffic violations totalled 483.

On Friday, a man was arrested at the Joostenberg Vlakte weigh bridge for the possession of counterfeit goods to the value of R475 000. He had three boxes of the drug cat in his possession as well.

A person was also arrested for the possession of 17.5 kg of dagga at a roadblock in Beaufort West on Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon, one fatality was recorded when a vehicle overturned about 30 km outside of Beaufort West.

The integrated approach of our Safely Home operations means that not only are we clamping down on drunk drivers who stupidly dare to get behind the wheel and those who see fit to speed, but we are also arresting those who use our roads to transport drugs and other illegal goods.

The combined efforts of law enforcement agencies are yielding great results, but all road users have a responsibility to not put their own lives and that of others at risk.