Effective teamwork by the Stellenbosch Protection Services (Traffic Department) affected the arrest of 10 road users driving under the influence of alcohol on Sunday 26 December 2021 and possibly preventing serious accidents.
The drivers were pulled over by vigilant members of the Traffic Department Ghost Squad performing stop and checks in Adam Tas Road, Merriman Avenue, Simonsberg and the R44 ring road.
According to Cllr Rikus Badenhorst, Mayoral Committee Member for Protection Services, the arrests took place during the execution of the Stellenbosch Protection Services Festive Season Plan, which entailed various fixed roadblocks as well as Ghost Squad Stop and checks in and around the greater Stellenbosch Municipal Area during the recent holidays.
The age of transgressors ranged between 26 and 51 years and comprised mostly male drivers, with the highest alcohol reading being 0,98g per 100 ml, well above the current legal limit of 0,05g per 100 ml.
“All drivers over the legal limit were arrested and case numbers opened at Stellenbosch Police for driving under the influence of liquor,” Badenhorst said.
“The Stellenbosch Protection Services Directorate is determined to make our roads safer for all users and would like to remind motorists that the consequences of driving under the influence is far reaching. Apart from the obvious danger that drunk drivers pose to themselves, passengers and other road users, those arrested will be held in custody until they are able to post bail (in certain instances bail may be denied).”
He added that “depending on prior convictions against a perpetrator, as well as the circumstances surrounding their arrest, they might face a minimum fine of R2 000 or a two-year prison sentence, or both. Convicted drunk drivers may also lose their driving licence, or have it suspended and will end up with a criminal record.”
