CAPE TOWN – Two City of Cape Town Traffic Services officers were injured and three City vehicles were damaged during an illegal street racing operation in Paarden Eiland in Cape Town on Thursday night, 17 September.

According to the City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, officers arrested two motorists shortly after 23:00 for reckless and negligent driving and participating in an illegal street race.

However, the racing resumed around midnight, resulting in a third arrest.

Smith said the third driver was arrested for allegedly participating in illegal street racing, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to stop and malicious damage to property after colliding with a traffic vehicle.

Crowd turns hostile

The situation escalated when officers attempted to impound the vehicle.

“When officers tried to take the vehicle, the crowd of spectators became hostile and damaged two more traffic vehicles – one vehicle had its side and rear windows smashed,” Smith said.

Two officers sustained injuries during the incident.

Maitland police were called to assist, allowing officers to pursue the vehicle they had attempted to impound. The vehicle had subsequently been towed away from the scene.

Police arrested the driver behind the wheel of the towed vehicle on charges including riotous behaviour, intimidation, threatening a peace officer, hindering and obstructing a peace officer and inciting violence.

All four suspects were detained at Maitland Police Station, while the three vehicles allegedly used in the illegal street races were impounded under the City’s traffic by-law.

Marine Drive was eventually cleared at 01:45.

Smith condemned the incident, saying there was no justification for breaking the law and attacking officials enforcing it.

“I am deeply disturbed by the attack on our Traffic Services during an illegal street racing operation in Paarden Eiland last night,” he said.

“The behaviour of those involved in this fracas is yet another example of the lawlessness that exists on our roads and in our society. There can be no justification for breaking the law and then attacking the very people who are employed to serve and protect by enforcing those laws.”

Traffic by-law amendments have been gazetted

In July 2026, the City of Cape Town’s amended traffic by-law was officially gazetted, clearing the way for tougher enforcement measures, including the impoundment of vehicles involved in illegal street racing, drunk or unlicensed driving, reckless driving and the use of false number plates.

The City says the changes follow three years of work and come amid nearly four million traffic offences and 2 767 arrests recorded between July 2025 and June 2026, with drunk-driving arrests increasing by 32% compared with the previous year.

Reward offered for information

Smith thanked Maitland police for assisting City officers and said the City would work with police to identify people involved in the attack.

“My appreciation to Maitland police who stepped in to assist last night. Safety and security is made possible when the law enforcement fraternity work together and stand together,” he said.

The City is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of people who attacked its enforcement staff.

Smith urged anyone with information to come forward. “I call on anyone with information to please come forward.”

Anonymous tips can be submitted 24 hours a day on 0800 110 077.

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