Picture: Supplied
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has arrested 225 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol in just one week.
The arrests took place during a series of intense law enforcement operations across all regions of the City of Joburg between Monday, May 11, and Sunday, May 17. JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla said these numbers show a persistent disregard for road safety laws, prompting the department to maintain a strict zero-tolerance approach toward intoxicated drivers.
“Driving while intoxicated remains a leading cause of preventable road fatalities,” he said. JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, expressed serious concern that so many drivers continue to take dangerous risks on the road. “The arrest of 225 individuals in a single week is a clear indication that many motorists still do not grasp the gravity of driving while intoxicated,” Commissioner Jaca said.
“Our officers are deployed around the clock to ensure that our roads do not become crime scenes due to negligence,” he said.
Jaca warned that the police department will not scale back its efforts. He said the JMPD plans to increase its roadside operations and expand the deployment of its Alcohol Evidence Centres (AECs) across the city until drivers change their behaviour. “We will continue to intensify our operations until the message is clear: if you drink and drive in Johannesburg, you will be arrested,” he said.
Fihla said as police visibility is increasing across the municipality, law enforcement authorities are urging residents and visitors to plan ahead before consuming alcohol. He said motorists must take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others, further advising the public to always secure a designated driver or use e-hailing services if they plan on drinking.
According to Fihla, the department remains dedicated to making the streets of Joburg safer for all road users.He said officers will continue to strictly enforce the regulations of the National Road Traffic Act through ongoing roadblocks and random vehicle checks across the city.
