The City of Cape Town arrested seven people in Bellville South on Sunday night after Traffic Service officers broke up an illegal street racing gathering that had drawn around 500 spectators. Two motorists were arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Five others were arrested for driving under the influence.
Also read: Metro Police officers put 4 549 suspects behind bars in weekly operations
Illegal street racing crackdown across Cape Town
Officers also patrolled Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone, another known street racing hotspot. The area was quiet. The Bellville South arrests formed part of 374 arrests made by City of Cape Town enforcement agencies in the past week.
JP Smith: by-law to impound reckless drivers
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said the City is amending its Traffic by-law to impound vehicles for offences including reckless and negligent driving. He called illegal racing a recurring source of danger to surrounding communities.
Sources
- City of Cape Town Media Office statement, 4 May 2026
- Office of Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security
