12 JULY 2013 The City of Cape Town’s Highway Ghost Unit pursued and arrested two illegal drag-racers on the N1 yesterday evening, 11 July 2013.
The two vehicles, a silver Mercedes CLK 55 V8 and a black BMW 335i, were observed driving at high speed, swerving through traffic and forcing other motorists off the road on the N1 southbound, near the Lower Church Street off-ramp.
Ghost Squad officers chased the offenders for approximately 7km before they were able to stop and apprehend the suspects, who were then both arrested on charges of reckless and negligent driving.
“These vehicles were driving in an extremely dangerous manner, and the officers are to be commended for their excellent work in apprehending them before anyone could be hurt,” said the Spokesperson for City of Cape Town Traffic Services, Inspector Maxine Jordaan.
“These arrests should also serve as a warning to other aspirant dragsters: once the Ghost Squad has you in their sights, there is no escaping,” she continued.
Yesterday evening also saw Traffic Officers hold an enforcement operation on Nelson Mandela Boulevard. Successes included the impoundment of 25 cellphones where motorists were caught talking on the phone while driving, one arrest for furnishing false information, and one arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Officers recorded 18 minibus taxi-related offences and issued 2 176 fines for other traffic offences such as illegal manoeuvres and speeding.
“Nelson Mandela Boulevard has been earmarked by Traffic Services for increased patrols and operations. Illegal behaviour along this busy stretch of road not only places motorists in danger, but also disrupts the flow of traffic. The purpose of these regular operations is to warn motorists that transgressions at this key interchange will be punished, and thus reduce congestion and improve driver safety,” continued Inspector Jordaan.
