Eighty people were arrested for drunken driving and other criminal offences at a roadblock in East London, Eastern Cape police said on Sunday.
Superintendent Mtati Tana said the arrests were made in a joint operation between police and traffic officers as part of the festive season crackdown on serious crimes and drunken driving.
”About 34 of the suspects were arrested for drunken driving , 35 were for other crimes like theft , assault GBH [grievous bodily harm], possession of drugs, shoplifting, burglary and domestic violence.”
”Eleven were arrested for being drunk and disorderly in public,” he said.
According to police most of the people arrested for drunken driving were released after paying bail, and those arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour were given notices to pay admission of guilt fines and then released.
”Suspects of the most serious crimes are in custody and will appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” said Tana
Police issued a warning of zero tolerance to people who drove while under the influence of liquor during this period.
”Law enforcement will be very strict and no one will escape justice during this period and beyond New Year,” Tana said. — Sapa