Drivers busted for illegal street racing in Bellville South
The City of Cape Town cracked down on several motorists partaking in an illegal street racing gathering in Bellville South this past week.
Black News 
Two drivers involved in illegal street racing in Bellville South have been arrested.
That’s according to the City of Cape Town, which revealed that these arrests took place in the past week.
BELLVILLE STREET RACING STOPPED IN ITS TRACKS
Per a media statement, the duo partook in an illegal racing gathering in Bellville South, which saw about 500 people in attendance.
They were intercepted by the Traffic Service’s Ghost and Random Breath Testing Units and subsequently charged with reckless and negligent driving.
Five other motorists present at the recent gathering were also arrested and charged with drinking under the influence.
‘A SOURCE OF FRUSTRATION AND DANGER’
These arrests come over two months after the City took ten taxi drivers into custody over outstanding warrants totalling over R632 000.
“Illegal street racing continues to feature as one of the many challenges that our staff have to deal with,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
He continued, “I want to commend the officers for their swift action in breaking up this gathering, but the reality is that these illegal actions are commonplace and a source of frustration and danger to surrounding communities and other road users.”
Smith reiterated the City’s efforts to combat this persistent issue.
“The City has, over time, worked to create safe, legal spaces for this activity, but still it persists, and that is why we are beefing up the Traffic by-law to impound vehicles for offences like reckless and negligent driving.”
A BUSY WEEK
The City of Cape Town’s law enforcement agencies have had their work cut out for them in the past week.
Notably, traffic officers recorded 60 arrests. Fifty-two were for driving under the influence, five were for reckless and negligent driving, and three were for other offences.
Additionally, they recorded 65 603 transgressions, impounded 142 public transport vehicles and executed 645 warrants of arrest. A total of 110 arrests were made, and 5 367 traffic and by-law fines were issued.
What’s more, the Anti-Hijacking Unit recovered six stolen vehicles over the long weekend, including three that had been hijacked in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni.
What are your thoughts on street racing? Do you think the City of Cape Town should do more to curb it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
