The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) arrested 148 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol during enforcement operations conducted across the city between Monday, July 6 and Sunday, July 12.
The arrests followed coordinated roadblocks, tactical deployments and targeted operations involving regional and specialised JMPD units.
JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla: “Every single arrest made represents a conscious decision by an individual to endanger innocent lives, but it also represents a potential tragedy successfully averted by our officers.”
He added that driving under the influence remaines a major contributor to fatal crashes and pedestrian accidents in the metropolitan area.
According to Fihla, a high number of suspects were processed at the Johannesburg Alcohol Evidence Centre, while further arrests were recorded during deployments in the inner city, Soweto and other operational regions.
JMPD warned that their officers would maintain a strong presence on Johannesburg roads around the clock. “Our visibility remains heightened 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you choose to drink and drive on Johannesburg roads, you will be arrested without hesitation,” he said.
Motorists planning to consume alcohol were urged to designate a sober driver, use e-hailing services or make use of public transport.
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