April 7, 2003
By Mandisi Majavu
THE Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has embarked on a major campaign to clamp down on illegal drag racing in the streets of the city.
About 116 participants and spectators of illegal drag racing were arrested on Friday morning at Nasrec, near Diepkloof in Soweto.
According to JMPD, the arrests are intended to send a clear message that the "drag racing time is up and the activity has long passed its sell-by-date" in Joburg.
Among those arrested were 45 drivers who were charged for reckless driving, with 15 of them paying the admission of guilty fines whilst others were released on warning. Two other persons were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and are expected to appear in court soon. And about 63 minors were arrested for loitering and later released to the care of their parents. Drugs, including mandrax and ecstasy, were found on the scene.
The swoop on illegal drag racing comes after residents of Diepkloof and nearby areas using the Nasrec Road coming in and out of Soweto, had for a long time endured the inconvenience of not being able to use the road as it was often closed off from 10pm on Thursdays for the "illegal drag racing".
Chris Ngcobo, JMPD chief said the clampdown of drag racing will intensify in the coming weeks. "We are serious about ensuring that residents of Johannesburg live in a crime free, healthy and secure environment."
