KwaZulu-Natal RTI has called on a reckless driver seen in a viral video to surrender, urging the public to assist with information as enforcement against dangerous driving is intensified.
Image: Supplied
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has called for a reckless driver and his associates, seen in a viral video circulating on the department’s social media platforms, to hand themselves over to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
This comes as authorities intensify enforcement against dangerous and illegal driving on the province’s roads.
The department confirmed that it had launched efforts to trace the individuals involved and urged members of the public to come forward with information that could assist investigators.
MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said: “The Road Traffic Inspectorate team is looking for the reckless driver and his friends who appear in a shocking video we have posted on the KZN Department of Transport Facebook page.
''The driver of this vehicle must hand himself over to RTI. We request those who have information to contact us.”
The department said it had been encouraged by the public response to the incident and widespread condemnation of the behaviour on social media.
“By and large, we are encouraged by the condemnation of this reckless driver by our Facebook followers and general members of the public,” Duma said.
He added that this support would strengthen efforts to curb fatalities on the province’s road network.
Authorities said ongoing operations, including #NenzaniLaEzweni, were being used to target reckless and irresponsible drivers.
“We are removing from our roads irresponsible drivers, such as this one, as they are a danger to unsuspecting innocent road users,” the MEC said.
Duma also warned that weekends were increasingly being marred by deadly crashes linked to reckless driving.
“Weekends should be the time for families to bond instead of funerals caused by reckless driving,” he said.
Illegal street racing and modified vehicles were also singled out as a concern, with the department warning that such cars pose serious safety risks on public roads.
“We are not excluding illegal drag racing involving cars with modified engines,” Duma said.
“Such cars are a danger, as the steering and braking systems are left unaltered to handle the high speed.”
The department further indicated that social media would increasingly be used to identify offenders, saying enforcement teams would act swiftly against those found breaking the law.
“With the advent of social media, RTI will identify culprits and nab them very quickly to demonstrate that Alufakwa in KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.
Members of the public have been urged to assist authorities by sharing evidence of reckless driving, with officials warning that action will be taken regardless of status, including against truck and taxi drivers as well as private motorists.
''We are inviting members of the public to use social media to support and augment our efforts focusing on promoting road safety measures across all corners of the province.''
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