Wheels come off for illegal street racers in Mitchells Plain

Three motorists have had their vehicles impounded after being caught participating in illegal street racing in Mitchells Plain over the weekend.

The arrests formed part of a City of Cape Town Traffic Services operation conducted on Saturday evening targeting illegal street racing and other dangerous driving offences.

Officers arrested seven people for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving, and one person for displaying a false licence plate.

Three vehicles were impounded for allegedly participating in illegal street races under the amended Traffic By-Law.

Welcomed the enforcement action

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, welcomed the enforcement action.

“It is very satisfying to see the by-law amendments in effect,” Smith said.

He said motorists previously faced little financial consequence after being arrested, as they could potentially return to the road soon after their release.

“Now, retrieving their vehicles is a costly and time-consuming exercise – even more so if it is linked to a criminal matter,” he said.

“Hopefully, this will make those scofflaws think twice in future about breaking the law and endangering the lives of others.”

Fee to be paid

Under the amended by-law, a vehicle impounded solely for a by-law transgression can be released once the applicable R2 500 fee has been paid.

However, vehicles linked to a South African Police Service (SAPS) case or criminal court matter must remain in the pound until the matter has been finalised.

A court order authorising the vehicle’s release must then be obtained, with the owner also required to pay the applicable impoundment release fee.

More than 60 000 fines issued

The street-racing operation was part of wider traffic enforcement efforts across the city over the past week.

Traffic Officers recorded 68 arrests, including arrests for driving under the influence, reckless or negligent driving and other offences.

They also issued 60 410 fines, executed 1 918 warrants of arrest and impounded 102 public transport vehicles.

Meanwhile, Metro Police officers made 136 arrests, including 43 for drunk driving, and issued 6 879 fines.

They also recovered 16 stolen or hijacked vehicles, as well as a firearm, an imitation firearm and various quantities of drugs.

The City’s Law Enforcement officers made a further 262 arrests and issued 12 978 notices.

Road accidents among weekend emergencies

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 2 593 calls for assistance over the weekend.

These included 120 cases of physical assault, 74 domestic violence incidents and 83 road accidents, 21 of which involved pedestrians.

Residents are urged to report emergencies or suspicious or criminal activity to the Public Emergency Communication Centre on (021) 480 7700.

Traffic and by-law-related complaints can also be reported through the Safety and Security add-on on the City of Cape Town App.