'Drunk' driver nabbed for cramming 9 friends into Citi Golf

2016-05-09 14:31

Cape Town - A suspected drunk driver with nine passengers crammed into his Citi Golf was among scores of suspects arrested this past weekend, the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service said in a statement on Monday.

They arrested 18 motorists for reckless or negligent driving during weekend operations. 

The Citi Golf driver caught the eye of an officer attached to the Ghost Squad, and was eventually pulled over along old Strandfontein Road near Pelican Park.

"The officer was shocked to find 10 people squeezed into the vehicle. When the driver’s blood alcohol level was taken, he was found to be four times over the legal limit," the statement read.

The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said this was the type of "idiotic behaviour" officers had to deal with regularly.

"What’s even more astounding is how the nine passengers in the car allowed themselves to be in this situation at all. It’s a pity the law doesn’t allow us to arrest them for being party to a clearly drunk driver getting behind the wheel," said Smith.

200 in a 100 zone

In another incident, a hasty motorist was clocked travelling at 208km/h in a 100km/h zone on the M5 between Racecourse Road and Wetton Road.

A Ghost Squad officer who was posted with the Speed Team gave chase and pulled the driver over in Ottery. He was arrested for reckless or negligent driving.

City traffic officers caught a further 30 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for resisting arrest. In the Cape Town CBD, 27 sedan taxis were impounded and 253 fines issued.

In a change of pace, two law enforcement officers knocked down a suspect when he turned a gun on them while they were pursuing him in Hanover Park on Saturday morning.

According to the statement, a 9mm Star pistol was confiscated before the suspect was taken to the local community health centre for treatment of minor injuries he sustained.

The City’s Metro Police Department arrested 13 suspects on drug-related charges in Mitchells Plain, Bonteheuwel, Hanover Park, Parow, Wesbank, and Table View.

They arrested 21 motorists for drunk driving in Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Kraaifontein, and Dunoon.