4 April, 2003

Press Release

"Drag racing time's up"- JMPD

Severe warning that it is time up, hit home rather rudely to over 116 participants and spectators of illegal drag racing who were arrested shortly after one O'clock this morning at Nasrec, near Diepkloof in Soweto.

Residents of Diepkloof and nearby areas using the Nasrec Road coming in and out of Soweto, had for far too long endured the inconvenience of not being able to use the road as it is often closed off from 10 pm on Thursdays during this dangerous and illegal pastime.

This situation creates conducive conditions to breed crime especially vehicle theft, public drinking and drug peddling, illegal road closures, as well as drunken driving and loitering.

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. Another motorist was arrested for drunken driving whilst about 63 minors were arrested for loitering and later released to the care of their parents. A quantity of mandrax and ecstasy drugs were found on the scene but no one was arrested.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMP), today said the swoop on both spectators and participants of the drag racing was a clear message that the activity had long passed its "sell-by-date" in Johannesburg.

The JMPD said public roads belong to the public and must be used for that purpose and with all the necessary safety measures especially in the light of the high accidents experienced in the country recently.

"We are serious about ensuring that residents of Johannesburg live in a crime free, healthy and secure environment. We cannot tolerate a situation where criminals will dictate terms on us," JMPD Chief Chris Nqcobo said warning that the clampdown of drag racing wherever it occurs will intensify in the coming weeks.

ENDS.

For More information contact:

CC MacKay
Tel: 490 1610
Cell: 082 559 3852

ENDS