SAPS warns about drinking in public and driving drunk
The Springs SAPS condemns drunk driving and public drinking and urges the public to observe the law at all times for the sake of their safety.
From the festive season until recently, the Springs SAPS picked up a norm of drinking and driving in public spaces like recreational parks in and around the Springs area.
Officers arrested about 300 people for drunk driving and drinking in public.
Springs police spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala said many commuters have also adopted a culture of driving under the influence.
This behaviour has, in turn, caused many of them to sit behind bars.
He characterised such deeds as some factors contributing to the rate of road accidents.
Tshabalala said drinking in public is a criminal offence, and those SAPS find breaking the law will be arrested.
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“The public should also refrain from gathering and drinking in public spaces unless they have submitted an application to the CoE offices,” he said.
“If they are found without an approved application, in terms of the by-laws, they will be arrested for contravening the laws.”
According to Tshabalala, ‘public’ refers to outdoor spaces such as roads, walkways, parks and moving vehicles.
The police propose that people should instead drink at private businesses, such as public houses, bars or clubs.
“We want to emphasise responsible driving at all times,” said Tshabalala.
“Drunk driving and public drinking are condemned at all costs and will never be tolerated by law enforcers.”
He urged the public to obey the law at all times for the sake of their safety.
