Latest news with #XolaniFihla
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
'Scholar transport driver was drunk': 12 learners injured in Joburg crash
The white minibus Toyota Quantum, operating as scholar transport, was allegedly attempting to overtake another vehicle when the driver lost control, resulting in the collision. Image: JMPD A scholar transport driver was arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers after a crash where 12 learners were injured. Superintendent Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson, said on Monday morning, officers responded to a serious single-vehicle accident on Westpark Drive in Montgomery Park, Randburg. 'A white minibus Toyota Quantum, operating as scholar transport, was allegedly attempting to overtake another vehicle when the driver lost control, resulting in the collision,' said Fihla. 'Twelve learners sustained injuries and were transported to various medical facilities for attention.' The driver of the Toyota Quantum was found to be under the influence of alcohol. 'He has been arrested and will be detained at Sophiatown SAPS. He faces charges of reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence of alcohol,' said Fihla. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ On Monday, IOL reported that a serious accident occurred on the M1 highway in Booysens, involving a bus and six other vehicles near Booysens Road. 'Multiple injuries have been reported. However, there are no confirmed fatalities at this time,' said Fihla. 'Preliminary information suggests the bus was travelling south on the M1 towards the Booysens Road off-ramp when a passenger reportedly had an altercation with the driver, and (the passenger) grabbed the steering wheel.' Preliminary information suggests the a passenger grabbed the steering wheel of the bus on the M1 highway during an altercation with the driver. Image: JMPD The bus subsequently lost control, veered off the M1 South, crossed the barricades and median, and collided with vehicles on the M1 North. 'Law enforcement officials are on the scene. The M1 North is currently closed to traffic at Booysens Road, causing significant disruptions,' said Fihla. 'Motorists are advised to use Crownwood Road or Xavier Street as alternative routes from the M1 North.' IOL News
The Citizen
a day 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!
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
20 pupils injured in scholar transport crash near West Park Cemetery
Twenty schoolchildren were injured on Monday morning when a scholar transport minibus overturned near West Park Cemetery in Randburg, Johannesburg. The accident occurred at about 7am on West Park Road, with the vehicle allegedly travelling at high speed before the driver lost control. The minibus overturned near a bend close to the cemetery. According to Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Supt Xolani Fihla, the driver of the Toyota Quantum was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. 'He has been arrested and will be detained at Sophiatown SAPS. He faces charges of reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence of alcohol,' he said. The Gauteng education department confirmed the crash involved pupils from three schools: 13 pupils from Greenside High School; four from Roosevelt High School; and three from Parktown Girls' High School. The injured pupils were assessed and treated at health-care facilities.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Bez Valley block roads in protest over prolonged electricity outage
Motorists have been urged to use alternate routes. Residents took to the streets on Tuesday, barricading the roads around the area with rocks and burning tyres. Picture: Supplied Joburg motorists have been urged to use alternate routes following protest action in the Bezuidenhout Valley area. Residents took to the streets on Tuesday, barricading roads around the area with rocks and burning tyres. Protest action Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers were monitoring the protest. 'JMPD officers are currently on scene managing traffic in response to a protest involving approximately 200 participants who have blockaded Albertina Sisulu Road from Bertrams towards Darras Centre'. Affected roads Fihla said affected roads include Albertina Sisulu Road, 2nd and 5th streets, and 8th and 7th avenues. 'The protest stems from a complaint regarding a prolonged electricity outage, which participants claim has been ongoing since February. Protesters are burning tyres in the affected area, though they have informed JMPD officials that their intentions are non-violent and their primary demand is the restoration of electricity. 'Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternative routes, exercise extreme caution when approaching the area, follow directions from JMPD officers on the scene and anticipate significant delays,' Fihla said. Bezuidenhout Valley Residents have taken to the streets on Tuesday, barricading the roads around the area with rocks and burning tyres over prolonged electricity outages. Pictures: Supplied #BezValleyProetst @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) July 29, 2025 ALSO READ: Traffic delays after residents shut down Thembisa over electricity tariff hike [VIDEO] Thembisa protest Earlier this month, protestors shut down Thembisa in protest against the new electricity tariff hike introduced by the City of Ekurhuleni. Tensions flared in the township as residents protesting steep electricity costs clashed with police, who responded by firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced the suspension of the fixed R126 electricity tariff charge until further notice following the violent protests. The mayor highlighted Ekurhuleni's ongoing efforts to support struggling residents, saying the municipality provides indigent households with 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of free basic electricity each month. Electricity protest He said the metro had written off 75% of debt for households unable to pay their municipal rates and taxes. Xhakaza further said Ekurhuleni's electricity pricing was based on directives from Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. ALSO READ: Tshwane shuts down workers' protest at last minute
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Scholar transport driver found to be driving drunk arrested after collision
JOHANNESBURG - A scholar transport driver found to be driving drunk has been arrested after several learners were injured when their car was involved in a collision. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said it responded to a single-vehicle accident on Westpark Drive in Montgomery Park, Randburg, on Monday morning. Metro police said a white minibus Toyota Quantum operating as a scholar transport allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle when the driver lost control. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said twelve learners were injured. 'The driver of the Toyota Quantum was found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and detained at Sophiatown SAPS [South African Police Service]. He faces charges of reckless and negligent driving under the influence of alcohol.'
