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One of Cape Town’s worst offenders, with outstanding traffic fines of nearly R200,000, was arrested during a Mitchells Plain sting last week.

He was unable to pay R18,000 bail and so, was joined behind bars by 285 suspects arrested during general operations by Cape Town’s enforcement agencies in the last few weeks, said MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith.

In fact, two motorists from the top-100 offenders list were arrested during this high-stakes October 3 operation, with a staggering 87 warrants between them totalling R270,100. Just a week prior, two others were taken into custody, holding 43 warrants collectively worth R226,550.

That’s four motorists who have racked up just shy of R500,000 in unpaid fines, warrants and contempt of court penalties.

“They are poster children for that section of our motoring public who believe they can get away with their misdeeds,” said Smith.

“Hopefully this turn of events will make them reconsider. At least one of the four is behind bars at Pollsmoor after he couldn’t come up with the R18,000 bail amount.”

“In the past year we have seen increased compliance from some motorists, but there are many scofflaws on our roads daily who think they are above the law. I hope the arrests serve as a cautionary tale.”

In a major enforcement push last week, Cape Town traffic officers recorded a staggering 46,843 offences, executed 1,366 warrants of arrest, and impounded 198 public transport vehicles. Among 39 people arrested, 28 were caught driving under the influence, four for reckless driving, and seven for various other violations.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers made 157 arrests and issued 2,592 notices, while metro police arrested 89 suspects, issued 2,224 fines, and seized illegal contraband.

This coordinated crackdown demonstrates Cape Town’s commitment to keeping the city’s roads and public spaces safe – encouraging you to play your part, too.

[source:businessday]