A motorist was arrested after allegedly fleeing Cape Town’s Ghost Squad during an operation targeting reckless driving in Sea Point.
According to the City of Cape Town, the incident happened on 18 October during a sunset “park-off” gathering along Beach Road. In this area, authorities had received complaints about reckless driving and illegal racing.
Cape Town Etc reports that the arrest formed part of a wider enforcement drive that resulted in hundreds of arrests across the city during the week.
Driver Allegedly Fled Ghost Squad
The City of Cape Town said Ghost Squad officers attempted to stop a white BMW after spotting it being driven recklessly.
The driver allegedly ignored instructions to stop and accelerated away.
The pursuit ended in a Green Point parking area, where the motorist lost control and sideswiped another vehicle.
A breathalyser test found that the driver was more than three times over the prescribed legal alcohol limit, according to the City.
He was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence as well as reckless and negligent driving. The City also impounded his BMW under the City’s Traffic By-law.
City Targets Illegal Racing
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said illegal racing and park-off gatherings continue to generate complaints from residents.
According to the City of Cape Town, two other vehicles were impounded during the same operation for allegedly operating without licence plates.
Smith said authorities have repeatedly warned motorists about dangerous and unlawful behaviour.
Hundreds Arrested Across Cape Town
The City of Cape Town said its Traffic Service arrested 45 people during the reporting period, including 34 for drunk driving and six for reckless and negligent driving.
Traffic officers also executed 1,342 warrants, impounded 198 public transport vehicles and issued 59,227 fines.
Law Enforcement officers made 282 arrests, while Metro Police arrested 158 suspects.
According to the City, Metro Police also recovered six hijacked or stolen vehicles, two prohibited firearms and 23 rounds of ammunition.
Cape Town Etc reports that the Public Emergency Communication Centre received 2,604 calls over the same period, including reports of assaults, domestic violence and vehicle crashes.