More than 24 000 drunk drivers arrested over festive period
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made significant inroads in reducing crime during the festive season period, says police minister.
A TOTAL of 24 827 drunk drivers were arrested across South Africa over the festive season. This was revealed by Police minister Bheki Cele who addressed reporters at the release of the SAPS Safer Festive Season Report on Tuesday.
“Despite our constant warnings, education and awareness raised, 24 827 drunk drivers were arrested as a result of police action. This means 4 048 more people were arrested by the SAPS for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs compared to the previous comparative period.”
The minister said he was convinced that alcohol remains an enemy of society and is a main driver of many contact crimes, with police during the festive season shutting down 6 124 liquor stores and taverns due to non-compliance.
“Over 2000 of these outlets were operating in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
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While these statistics were worrying, Cele said the festive season period, according to the SAPS calendar which started from October 15 to 11 January, has been the safest.
During this period, he said, there was a massive drop in most major crimes.
“A lesser number of people [were] killed compared to the same period the previous year. The national murder rate during this period declined by 1.4 per cent.
“All crimes within the contact crime category decreased, apart from common assault and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Women and children were also safer this festive season, with sexual offences which includes crimes such as rapes, sexual assault and attempted sexual offences, decreased by 9.9 per cent,” the minister said.
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There was also a drop in all contact-related crimes such as arson and malicious damage to property.
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