Teen speedster on joyride among over 200 arrested in past week
The 16-year-old driver was stopped after running several red traffic lights and driving in excess of 200km/h.
CAPE TOWN, May 24 (ANA) – A teenager who had just turned 16 was one of the 202 people arrested in the past week by the City of Cape Town’s law-enforcement agencies.
In a statement released on Monday, mayoral committee member for safety and security Alderman JP Smith said a Ghost Squad officer spotted a VW Golf 7 travelling at high speed along Jan Smuts Drive in the direction of Grassy Park just before 1am on Sunday and gave chase.
He said the driver ran several red traffic lights and refused to stop driving in excess of 200km/h.
The officer called for back-up and the vehicle was stopped on the Old Strandfontein and Ottery Road.
Smith said the officers were shocked to find a very young man behind the wheel.
The teenager informed officers that he had just turned 16 the day before.
He also had five passengers in the vehicle, all around the age of 15.
It was also revealed he had taken his brother’s new car without permission.
“‘I shudder to think of the potential tragedy that could have unfolded here. This was no joyride, but reckless endangerment and I hope that it’ll be a lesson to everyone concerned. Also, the fact that these teenagers were out past curfew is another concern, particularly given the current resurgence we are experiencing,” Smith said.
The teenager was released into the care of his father.
Traffic officers arrested 90 suspects, of whom 51 were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 27 for reckless and negligent driving.
Officers also impounded 164 vehicles, confiscated 198 cellphones and issued 68,270 fines.
Law Enforcement offices made 46 arrests, confiscated nearly 400kg of stolen cable and issued 3,561 fines.
Officers attached to the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) made 40 arrests, which included 22 for drug possession, eight arrests for possession of dangerous weapons, three arrests for outstanding warrants, possession of an imitation firearm and two arrests each for dealing in drugs, possession of stolen property and possession of illegal ammunition.
Metro police officers arrested 66 suspects and issued 3,256 fines.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
