Wheels come off for illegal street racers
24 August 2026
Three suspects were arrested for illegal street racing this weekend. And, their vehicles too were impounded in terms of the amended Traffic By-Law.
The City’s Traffic Services conducted an illegal street racing operation in Mitchells Plain on Saturday evening.
Officers arrested seven persons for drunk driving arrests, three for reckless and negligent driving, one for displaying a false licence plate and three vehicles impounded for participating in illegal street races.
‘It is very satisfying to see the by-law amendments in effect. For too long, errant motorists have been allowed to continue their bad behaviour, as they’d be right back behind the wheel as soon as they were released from custody. Now, retrieving their vehicles is a costly and time-consuming exercise – even more so if it is linked to a criminal matter. Hopefully, this will make those scofflaws think twice in future about breaking the law and endangering the lives of others,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
An impoundment linked only to a by-law transgression can be released immediately once the applicable fee of R2 500 has been paid.
However, where the vehicle is linked to a SAPS case or criminal court matter, it must remain in the pound until the matter has been finalised and a court order authorising the release has been received and the owner has paid the impoundment release fee.
In general enforcement efforts over the past week, Traffic Officers recorded 68 arrests - 72 for driving under the influence of alcohol, seven for reckless/negligent driving and 10 for other offences. Officers also issued 60 410 fines, executed 1 918 warrants of arrest and impounded 102 public transport vehicles.
Metro Police officers made 136 arrests - 43 for drunk driving – and issued 6 879 fines. They also recovered 16 stolen and/or hijacked vehicles, one firearm, an imitation firearm and various quantities of drugs.
Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 262 arrests and issued 12 978 notices.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 2 593 calls for assistance over the weekend.
Emergency call takers logged 120 cases of physical assault, 74 domestic violence incidents and 83 road accidents – 21 of these involving pedestrians.
The public is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities by calling the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 OR logging by-law and traffic related complaints using the Safety and Security add on to the City App.