Motorists, beware. Nelson Mandela Bay’s metro police have adopted a no-nonsense stance towards drunk and reckless driving as well as the consumption of alcohol on any of the beaches.
In the days leading up to Christmas, the metro police arrested nine people for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for reckless driving.
The Bay SAPS is keeping mum on the number of roadblocks already held and statistics of how many people have been arrested.
Metro police chief Yolande Faro said there would be continuous roadblocks and visible policing throughout the metro.
She said officers would not tolerate traffic transgressors, and those putting their and other people’s lives at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or flouting other rules and regulations.
“There will not only be road blocks, but more visible officers patrolling the metro from Van Stadens to Wells Estate.
“Officers will be visibly patrolling and keeping an eye on what is happening.
“There will not only be roadblocks, but also stop testing,” Faro said.
Visitors to the metro’s beaches and other recreational areas will be closely monitored to prevent public drinking, open fires and setting off fireworks, among others, Faro said.
“We want people to enjoy themselves, but do it responsibly.
“Getting behind the wheel [after drinking] is a big risk, not only for you, but for others on the road as well – be responsible and listen to law enforcement officers,” Faro said.
She issued another warning to residents and visitors, saying if anyone was caught drinking on any beaches or in public, a spot fine would be issued and alcohol confiscated.
Faro said it was extremely dangerous for anyone to drink near water and that drinking in public areas had, on occasion, resulted in fights.
Anyone caught setting off fireworks, especially over the New Year period, would face the full brunt of the law.
“People must be sensitive to their neighbours and animals and never let children light any form of fireworks.”
Faro said it was a positive sign that not one child had been reported missing to the metro cops over the Christmas period.
She encouraged families to closely monitor their children near any water.
“Look after your children.
“Even if your children can swim they should be supervised, not only by the lifeguards,” Faro said.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said statistics regarding road blocks and the number of arrests made so far over the festive season were not currently available and would be announced at the end of the season by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga.
She said, however, that the police were conducting day and night roadblocks.
“SAPS together with provincial traffic, metro traffic and metro police will continue to hold roadblocks on the national roads during this festive season.
“We would like to advise drivers to be responsible, and don’t drink and drive.
“New Year celebrations will be taking place across the metro and we will come down hard on inconsiderate road users,” Janse van Rensburg said.
Last week police detectives had held a raid and detained 32 people on charges including housebreaking, robbery, murder and attempted murder, Janse van Rensburg said.
“Suspects are arrested on a daily basis,” she said.