Two traffic officers injured at illegal street race in Cape Town

Two traffic officers were injured and three law enforcement vehicles were damaged in a confrontation with illegal street racers in Cape Town on Friday evening last week.

According to Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith, law enforcement arrived on the scene of a street racing operation in Paarden Eiland.

At around 11pm, officers arrested two motorists for reckless and negligent driving, and participating in an illegal street race.

“At midnight, the racing started again, and officers arrested a third driver for participating in illegal street racing, drunken driving, failing to stop and malicious damage to property after colliding with a Traffic vehicle,” he said.

When they tried to take the vehicle, the crowd of spectators turned on the officers. Two officers were injured and two more traffic vehicles were damaged. One car had its side and rear windows smashed.

Police officers from the Maitland South African Police Service (SAPS) then arrived on scene to help the traffic officials.

They also pursued the vehicle that the traffic officers had attempted to impound. The vehicle has since been towed away from the scene.

The individual driving the car that was taken away has been arrested for riotous behaviour, intimidation, threatening a Peace Officer, hindering and obstructing a Peace Officer and inciting violence, according to JP Smith.

All four suspects arrested in the incident were detained at the Maitland SAPS station. The three vehicles used in the illegal street race have been impounded in terms of the City’s Traffic By-Law.

“The behaviour of those involved in this fracas is yet another example of the lawlessness that exists on our roads and in our society,” said JP Smith.

He condemned the violent behaviour directed towards the City’s traffic officials.

“There can be no justification for breaking the law and then attacking the very people who are employed to serve and protect by enforcing those laws.”

“I condemn the actions of these illegal street racers and those who support their actions in the strongest terms.”

He extended his appreciation to the Maitland SAPS officers who intervened and assisted with the law enforcement action that evening.

The City of Cape Town is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of any of the criminals who attacked City enforcement staff who were busy executing their duties.

“Upholding the law and making our roads safe from the childish and selfish actions of people who are careless of the safety of others,” JP Smith said.

Anonymous tips can be shared, 24/7, on 0800 110 077.