Ward 94 councillor David Foley says he is prepared to put his head on the block after receiving multiple complaints from residents, particularly women, who claim they were intimidated during late-night traffic stops along Uranium Street.
Foley has now publicly urged motorists who believe they were wrongly accused of drinking and driving to contact him immediately, but stressed that this applies strictly to drivers who have not consumed any alcohol at all.
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Foley said he began speaking out after several residents reported similar encounters while travelling home alone after evening work commitments or community meetings. “I have received a number of reports where ladies travelling back from work after 20:00 are stopped and accused of drinking. If you have not been drinking at all, take out your cell phone and start recording. It is allowed at any roadblock, including those involving SAPS officers.”
According to Foley, the stops appear to begin as routine law enforcement checks, conducted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD, where officers inspect driver’s licences and vehicle documentation. However, he alleges that, in several cases, motorists felt the interactions went beyond standard procedure.
“We have had almost five ladies stopped after late meetings, board engagements, or community work. They are repeatedly asked if they have been drinking. If there is suspicion, officers must use the breathalyser and follow the correct legal process.”
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Foley emphasised that residents are not opposing lawful roadblocks, but want enforcement carried out professionally and respectfully. “If you feel intimidated more than a normal licence check, call me immediately, but this is only if you have not had a drop of alcohol.”
Residents were advised to capture vehicle registration details and officer badge numbers, which officers are required to display at all times. The councillor said gathering evidence would help address any alleged misconduct and ensure accountability. “The JMPD are here to protect residents, not to intimidate them.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Allegations of sober motorists being accused of drinking at late-night stops have raised concerns over roadblock conduct. Ward 94 councillor David Foley has stepped forward with his contact details so he can intervene. Video Ditiro Masuku #caxtonlocalmedia #News #Community #Localnews #johannesburg #SA #Fyp #2026 ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Xolani Fihla, from JMPD, acknowledged the receipt of our query and promised to revert in due course.
Details of the councillor: 082 902 5003.
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