Parkview police warn residents to drink responsibly and refrain from drinking and driving over the Easter weekend.
The spokesperson for the Parkview Police Station Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said that SAPS has a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving.
“The South African Police Service, combined with other state and provincial authorities, are committed to reducing this crime, particularly over the Easter holidays. No one is trying to stop you from having a good time – just be responsible about doing it!” said Sibeko.
According to Sibeko, excessive consumption of alcohol is the major cause of contact crimes such as common assault, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, rape, robbery and murder.
Sibeko said that the alcohol limit is 0.05% alcohol in your blood. This means that after residents may drink what they think is a ‘small drink’, they could be over the limit.
“If you have more than 350ml of beer, or you have more than a single tot of brandy or other spirits, you may already be over the limit. Remember that these levels of alcohol will remain in your system for up to eight hours after consumption.”
Sibeko warned, “Do not take chances. Rather stay where you are until you have sobered up, or arrange for alternative transport home from where you plan to drink, and make such plans in advance to ensure that you are not left stranded.”
Sibeko said SAPS, Metro police and other law enforcement agencies are conducting roadblocks and manning other checkpoints more frequently to discourage people from drinking and driving.
“If you are stopped at such a roadblock, and if it is determined that you have consumed more than the legal limit of alcohol, you will be arrested and charged with drinking under the influence of liquor.”
Depending on prior convictions as well as circumstances surrounding the arrest, people will face a minimum fine of R2 000, or a two-year prison sentence or both.
“You may also lose your driver’s licence or have it suspended. And, of course, you will have a criminal record.”
Details: Report crime on Crime Stop on 086 011 0111.
ALSO READ:
Two men arrested for possession of suspected stolen property
-
-
-
-
