Latest news with #NationalRoadTrafficAct
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Rosebank crash tragedy fuels campaign against illegal street racing
The Johannesburg metropolitan police department (JMPD) says it is intensifying efforts to combat illegal street racing. This comes after a deadly crash in Rosebank earlier this month. DA Gauteng community safety spokesperson Michael Sun sounded the alarm over the spread of street racing in the suburbs. 'Innocent lives in Johannesburg's suburbs, including Rosebank, Fourways and Midrand, are put at risk due to the reckless and illegal practice of street racing,' said Sun. On July 12 2025 at about 5.30am tragedy struck on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank. According to reports, three vehicles were street racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. One racer died at the scene and an Uber driver, who was in the area, was killed after being struck head-on. The other racers reportedly fled. 'This is not an isolated incident. Every weekend morning residents along Cedar Road in Fourways are jolted awake by the deafening roar of modified engines. On July 13, ward councillor Annette Deppe witnessed a group of high-powered vehicles racing down Allandale Road in Midrand as if it were a private speedway,' said Sun. Despite repeated complaints, Sun said the JMPD and South African Police Service have failed to curb the trend. 'Reckless driving is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act. This lack of enforcement is deeply concerning,' said Sun. JMPD spokesperson superintendent Xolani Fihla said the department is aware of ongoing illegal racing activity in Rosebank, Fourways, Midrand, Northcliff, Florida and Constantia Kloof. 'We understand the frustration and fear residents experience due to illegal street racing. While we strive to respond to every complaint and maintain visibility, Johannesburg is a vast metropolitan area. Deploying sufficient resources to cover every potential hotspot at all times is a logistical challenge.'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
JMPD steps up patrols against illegal street racing
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed an increase in reports of alleged illegal street racing in parts of the city, particularly Rosebank, Fourways, and Midrand. This comes in the wake of a tragic accident on Jan Smuts Avenue on July 12, in which an Uber driver lost his life. JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla, said JMPD attended the scene, and a case of culpable homicide has been opened, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) currently investigating. 'These incidents highlight the severe dangers posed by illegal street racing.' The department acknowledged growing concerns raised by community members, as well as by Michael Sun, DA Gauteng spokesperson for community safety, who recently called for visible enforcement and greater accountability. Also read: Deadly street racing allegations prompt DA to seek Lesufi's urgent intervention In response, Fihla said JMPD is intensifying efforts to boost visible policing and operational strategies in identified hotspots. 'While we strive for a constant presence, illegal street racing often occurs spontaneously and across various locations, making real-time enforcement challenging. However, we are enhancing our information gathering and tactical responses to deal with these incidents more effectively.' Fihla said that collecting specific statistics on street racing-related arrests, injuries, and fatalities is complicated, as such cases are frequently recorded under broader traffic offences, such as reckless and negligent driving, excessive speeding, or driving under the influence. Despite these challenges, Fihla reaffirmed JMPD's commitment to road safety. He said the department is ramping up patrols and working closely with other law enforcement agencies to hold offenders accountable under the National Road Traffic Act. 'We urge residents to continue reporting any suspicious activity. Public co-operation is vital in helping us keep Johannesburg's roads safe for us all.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
DA demands urgent action on illegal street racing in Joburg suburbs
"Innocent lives in Johannesburg's suburbs are being put at risk due to the 'reckless and illegal practice of street racing". Joburg residents are up in arms over illegal drag racing in several suburbs. Picture: iStock Joburg residents are up in arms over illegal racing in several suburbs, including Lenasia, Rosebank, Fourways, and Midrand, among other areas, which they say have become a nuisance and dangerous. The DA said that, due to the brazen antics of the drag racers, innocent lives in Johannesburg's suburbs are being put at risk because of the 'reckless and illegal practice of street racing.' 'Dangerous races' DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety, Michael Sun, said the 'dangerous races' often occur in the early morning. 'They transform quiet suburban streets into hazardous racetracks. The DA in Gauteng has been inundated with complaints from concerned residents, and we demand that Premier Panyaza Lesufi urgently intervene and halt this alarming trend'. Tragedy Sun shared details of a tragic incident that occurred on July 12, 2025 at about 5:30am, on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank. 'Reports indicate that three vehicles were racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. One of the racers died at the scene. Tragically, an innocent Uber driver was also struck head-on and lost his life. 'The occupants of the other two racing vehicles fled the scene, leaving behind a devastating aftermath,' Sun said. ALSO READ: Illegal drag race claims one life, leaves several injured Not isolated Sun added that the incident is not an isolated incident. 'Every weekend morning, residents along Cedar Road in Fourways are jolted awake by the deafening roar of modified engines and motorbikes speeding through their neighbourhood. 'On 13 July 2025, yet another incident was reported on Allandale Road in Midrand. At approximately 8:50 am, Ward Councillor Annette Deppe witnessed a group of six or seven high-powered vehicles racing down the public road as if it were a private speedway,' Sun said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Cops investigating after Nigerian rapper crashes R3m McLaren 570S in Sea Point Proactive action Sun claims that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (Saps) are not doing enough to stop the illegal drag racers or arrest the drivers 'This sheer lack of service delivery is particularly concerning, as reckless driving is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act. Penalties for this offence can range from fines and imprisonment to the suspension or revocation of a driver's license in severe cases. 'The DA Gauteng has engaged the Chief of JMPD and relevant Saps Station Commanders to demand urgent intervention. Our communities cannot become battlegrounds for ego-fuelled speed chases,' Sun said. Safe space Sun added that his party will be tabling questions to Lesufi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to determine how many illegal racing incidents were reported in the past five years, how many people were killed, and whether gangs or drugs were involved. 'A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that both the JMPD and Saps fully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed powers to curb the scourge of illegal racing'. Sun said the DA would also explore the creation or support of safe, regulated facilities where motor enthusiasts can enjoy their sport without endangering the lives of others. ALSO READ: F1 in SA will be 'catalyst' for uplifting motorsport, McKenzie says
The South African
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
State-of-the-art licensing centre opens in Soweto
A state-of-the-art licensing centre has been opened at the Protea Glen Mall in Soweto, as part of the Gauteng Provincial Government's commitment to bringing convenience and efficient services closer to the people. The modernised centre signifies substantial progress towards a more efficient and streamlined licensing process, while prioritising service delivery initiatives in or near areas identified as townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH). Boasting cutting-edge innovation with an emphasis on professionalism and community engagement, the centre will go a long way in enhancing the quality of licensing services offered in the area. MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, who officially opened the centre on Tuesday, said the department was actively seeking to meet the needs of underserved TISH communities. 'The establishment of smart Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) in these regions represents a laudable initiative in enhancing government services and expansion of regulatory frontline services in the townships, informal settlements, and hostels,' the MEC said. Diale-Tlabela added that by prioritising accessibility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, this initiative aims to significantly improve service delivery and alleviate congestion frequently found at conventional licensing offices. 'Through meticulous planning, the integration of technology, and active community engagement, the Smart Licensing Service Centre is poised to become a significant addition to the existing infrastructure,' the MEC added. In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996), the MEC for Roads and Transport is responsible for the registration, testing and licensing of motor vehicle and drivers in Gauteng. The legislative function of licensing of learner drivers, qualified drivers, vehicles, driving schools, instructors, number plate embossers, number plate manufacturers, and many others is one of the largest portfolios in Gauteng. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- The Citizen
Intelligence-driven police operation secures arrests
A 25-year-old suspect, said to be part of a group terrorising the Richards Bay community, was arrested for a house break-in on Friday. The arrest was made by the Richards Bay Proactive Team in an intelligence-driven operation in Mzingazi. ALSO READ: 3 kidnapping, murder suspects nabbed in Ndumo King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase said the suspect's friends are still at large. 'He was also charged with possession of an illegal firearm and 15 live rounds of ammunition. His girlfriend was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. 'The police are working around the clock following information on the whereabouts of the other suspects,' said Shangase. Both suspects are expected to appear in the Richards Bay Magistrate's Court this week. In a separate incident, Shangase said the same team executed a stop-and-search on the R102 in KwaDlangezwa. 'Eight suspects were issued with J534 fines for contravention of the National Road Traffic Act. 'Three foreign nationals were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act,' he said, adding that they would appear in the Mtunzini Magistrate's Court. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
