Results of Safely Home Weekend Traffic Operations

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

Approximately 2 863 vehicles were stopped at Safely Home alcohol blitz roadblocks across the Western Cape this weekend.

A total of 13 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence after 1 487 drivers were screened for being under suspicion of the offence.

The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Mossel Bay at 1.14 mg/1 000 ml, which is more than four times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/1 000 ml.

A staggering 2 570 speeding offences were recorded and a total of 272 fines were issued.

The highest speed was recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area at 192 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

A man was arrested for driving 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone near Beaufort West on Saturday. He was released on bail and will appear in court soon.

On the N2 near Duinefontein in the direction of Somerset West a man lost his life on Friday evening after losing control of his vehicle. On Sunday evening, a male pedestrian lost his life on the N1 near Klapmuts.

Speed is a major contributing factor to road traffic incidents and I am appealing to motorists to consider not only their own safety but also that of others. Our officers will continue to act without fear or favour and drivers who speed or see fit to drive after drinking will face the full force of the law.