By REGINALD KANYANE
27 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said innocent lives in Johannesburg’s suburbs, including Rosebank, Fourways, and Midrand, are put at risk due to the reckless and illegal practice of street racing. DA said these dangerous races often occur in the early morning, transforming quiet suburban streets into hazardous racetracks.
DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Michael Sun said they have been inundated with complaints from concerned residents and they demand that Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, urgently intervene and halt this alarming trend. Sun said a tragic incident recently occurred at approximately 5:30am on 12 July 2025 on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank.
“Reports indicate that three vehicles were racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. One of the racers died at the scene. Tragically, an innocent Uber driver was also struck head-on and lost his life.
“The occupants of the other two racing vehicles fled the scene, leaving behind a devastating aftermath. This is not an isolated incident. Every weekend morning, residents along Cedar Road in Fourways are jolted awake by the deafening roar of modified engines and motorbikes speeding through their neighbourhood,” he said.
Sun further said on 13 July 2025, yet another incident was reported on Allandale Road in Midrand. He added that at approximately 8:50am, ward councillor Annette Deppe, witnessed a group of six or seven high-powered vehicles racing down the public road as if it were a private speedway.
“Despite ongoing incidents, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), appear unable to apprehend illegal racers. This sheer lack of service delivery is particularly concerning, as reckless driving is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act.
“Penalties for this offence can range from fines and imprisonment to the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license in severe cases. The DA Gauteng has engaged the Chief of JMPD and relevant SAPS Station Commanders to demand urgent intervention,” said Sun.
He said the communities cannot become battlegrounds for ego-fuelled speed chases. Sun said they will be tabling questions to Lesufi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to ascertain how many illegal racing incidents were reported in the past five years, how many people were killed, and whether gangs or drugs were involved.
“A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that both the JMPD and SAPS fully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed powers to curb the scourge of illegal racing.
“We would also explore the creation or support of safe, regulated facilities where motor enthusiasts can enjoy their sport without endangering the lives of others. The DA will continue to fight against this deadly trend and ensure it is halted before more lives are lost,” he said.
The Guardian 