City of Cape Town gears up for Easter weekend

As the busy Easter Weekend approaches, Capetonians have been urged to be safe and vigilant. The City of Cape Town says it will implement its annual integrated safety plan, for the festive season and Easter period.

PHOTO: CoCT

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, says among the measures implemented are Operation Exodus to facilitate vehicle safety checks for long distance transport operators, roadblocks, and vehicle checkpoints - particularly around public transport interchanges. During the week of Easter in 2023, the City's enforcement services made 361 arrests, including 80 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and issued 72 465 fines for various transgressions.

‘’For most people, this is a time of relaxation and spending time with their loved ones. For criminals, it is an opportunity to exploit that holiday spirit, so we urge the public to be vigilant wherever they go. Experience has also taught us to expect increased levels of alcohol use and related trauma over the payday or month-end periods. The long weekend will likely further complicate matters. Our enforcement strategy is to ensure public safety, but staff will not hesitate to act against anyone wilfully putting themselves or others at risk. Everyone ought to know by now the importance of responsible behaviour and what that looks like, so consider yourself warned,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Mayco member for Community Services & Health, Patricia van der Ross, says all community swimming pools will be open daily until Monday, 1 April, before closing for the off-season.

‘’The Trafalgar swimming pool will remain open daily until 12 April, as an alternative facility while repairs are completed at the Long Street Indoor Swimming Pool.’’

‘’Our lifeguards will be on duty at swimming pools and beaches until the conclusion of the Easter weekend. We've had 14 fatal drownings since September and I implore the public to please work with us to ensure that no more lives are lost in this manner. We have safety measures in place at our facilities, but ultimately your personal safety is your responsibility. Leave the alcohol at home, swim only in designated areas and where lifeguards are on duty, and keep an eye on your children at all times,’’ she added.

Done By: Alungile Njemla