Crayfish arrest by Provincial Traffic boosts WC safety efforts

27 February 2024
Mobility Department

On Tuesday, 20 February 2024, in Elsies River, Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services detected and seized a shipment of 5 705 crayfish tails and 31 live crayfish worth over R500 000.

While enroute to the N7, our Provincial Traffic officers stopped a vehicle without a license disc for a routine traffic check. The officers noticed several black bags on the back seat and that the driver appeared to be nervous. Upon further inspection, the illegal shipment was discovered.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested for possession of the crayfish and taken to Elsies River SAPS.

This is yet another demonstration of the relentless efforts of our Provincial Traffic officers – patrolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to make our province safer.

Results from WC Provincial Traffic Services – 19 to 25 February 2024

Between 19 and 25 February 2024, Provincial Traffic officers conducted 288 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 31 477 vehicles across the Western Cape.

A total of 8 439 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Twenty-one vehicles were impounded and 192 were discontinued for being unroadworthy.

A total of 273 speeding offences were recorded, with the following highest speeds:

  • 167km/h in a 120km/h zone
  • 144km/h in a 100km/h zone
  • 114Km/h in an 80km/h zone
  • 109km/h in a 70km/h zone
  • 104km/h in a 60km/h zone

A total of 113 arrests were made for the following offences:

  • 89 x driving under the influence of alcohol
  • 1 x speeding
  • 6 x reckless and negligent driving
  • 2 x goods overloading
  • 3 x possession of fraudulent documentation
  • 3 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty
  • 1 x threatening/suggesting use of violence against a traffic officer
  • 1 x bribery
  • 1 x stolen vehicle
  • 1 x failing to comply with a lawful order from an authorised officer
  • 1 x possession of crayfish tails
  • 2 x possession of unlicensed firearm
  • 1 x undocumented persons
  • 1 x possession of illegal substance

A total of 22 crashes and 23 fatalities were recorded, including:

  • 5 x drivers
  • 2 x motorcyclists
  • 5 x passengers
  • 11 x pedestrians

MEDIA QUERIES:

Rebecca Campbell

Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie

Cell: 076 783 2583 

Email: Rebecca.Campbell@westerncape.gov.za