A reckless driver that was filmed in December 2021 hanging out of the driver’s side window while steering his red Range Rover Evoque with his feet on Moloto Road in Pretoria has been caught and sentenced to a fine of R8,000 or eight months imprisonment.
According to Arrive Alive, Mr. Ikhalar Ul Haq (39), a Pakistani national, was found guilty and sentenced by the Cullinan magistrate court on Friday, 2 December 2022. His driver’s licence was also suspended for six months.
The video of Mr. Haq hanging out of the window while being in control of the SUV sparked public outrage, and following the publishing of the recording, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) immediately launched an investigation and traced the motorist to his business in Marble Hall.
“He was arrested a week later and taken to Kameeldrift police station where he was charged,” said Arrive Alive.
“His trial was delayed when his mother passed away and he had to travel to Pakistan for the funeral. Further delays were experienced when a Pakistani national was being sought.”
Driver behaviour, including reckless and negligent driving, is a major cause of fatal crashes in South Africa and the RTMC urges members of the public to report dangerous activities on the roads by sending a WhatsApp message to 083 293 7989 or email to [email protected].
The below video published by Arrive Alive shows Mr. Haq caught in the act of reckless and negligent driving.
The driver who steered his red Range Rover with his feet found guilty and sentenced https://t.co/Ud0kIXlme5 #ArriveAlive #RecklesDring @TrafficRTMC pic.twitter.com/j1n9xMlilz
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 2, 2022
Get ready for the festive season
The RTMC has warned motorists to ensure their vehicles are in roadworthy condition for December as the agency is stepping up law enforcement activities around the country in preparation for the festive season.
The RTMC notes that burst tyres and defective breaks and lights are major contributors to fatal accidents and that officers will be on the lookout for these issues, as well as for cracked windscreens.
“Law enforcement officers will not hesitate to discontinue and even impound vehicles with the above defects,” said the RTMC.
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