MPD tackles napping drunk on N2
31 August 2026
Metro Police officers investigating a vehicle blocking a lane at an on-ramp discovered the driver fast asleep. After rousing him, his slurred speech and the smell of alcohol gave him away and he was arrested. He was just one of 407 people arrested by City enforcement departments this past week.
Anticipation of the rugby game may have been too much for the driver who was found at 13:40 on Saturday, 29 August, at the on-ramp to Jackes Gerwel Drive from the N2.
He was blocking the right turn lane and was arrested for driving under the influence.
‘It is shocking to think the driver was so inebriated he couldn’t keep his vehicle going or stay awake behind the wheel. Driving drunk puts lives at risk and shatters families. He was arrested before that happened and hopefully the courts will ensure there is appropriate consequences for his actions. I remind residents that we have a zero tolerance approach to driving under the influence and if caught, you will be detained. The safety of our residents will not be compromised within our Metro,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Later the same day, Metro Police officers recovered a vehicle hijacked in Khayelitsha in less than 30 minutes after the owner was held at gunpoint.
In total, they made 120 arrests - 32 for drunk driving – and issued 4 482 fines. They also recovered various quantities of drugs.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 2 914 calls for assistance over the weekend.
Of these, 610 were reports of by-law infringements, including 401 noise nuisance complaints.
‘This has become par for the course on month-end weekends. Revelry impacts neighbours and spills over onto our roads and into violence as physical assault calls rose by more than 50%, while reports of domestic violence and accidents increased. Our residents work hard and deserve to let their hair down, but it must be done responsibly. Having a good time should not end in regret. I call on residents to continue reporting bylaw contraventions,’ added Alderman Smith.
Emergency call takers also logged 197 cases of physical assault, 71 domestic violence incidents and 151 vehicle and pedestrian road accidents.
In general enforcement efforts over the past week, Traffic Officers recorded 50 arrests - 43 for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for reckless/negligent driving and one for other offences. Officers also issued 50 696 fines, executed 817 warrants of arrest and impounded 134 public transport vehicles.
Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 237 arrests and issued 13 469 notices.
The public is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities by calling the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 OR logging by-law and traffic-related complaints using the Safety and Security add-on to the City App.
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