Ghost Squad nabs reckless driver in high-speed chase through Cape Town

The thrilling events were documented in a video shared by Alderman JP Smith, the Mayco member for Safety and Security, highlighting the urgent necessity for stricter traffic law enforcement in the city.

Witnesses reported seeing a Volkswagen Golf GTI weaving dangerously through traffic at speeds exceeding 170 kilometres per hour.

Alderman recounted the heart-stopping moment as his unit spotted the vehicle while returning to the city, noting, ‘At one point, I looked down at the speedometer, and it was in excess of 170 kilometres an hour … a very dangerous situation with other vehicles around,’

The reckless driving put not only the driver and his passengers at risk but also posed a severe threat to unsuspecting motorists, Smith said.

The driver, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, claimed he was frantically hurrying to a concert. However, Smith stressed that the justification for such reckless behaviour is unacceptable.

‘He could have cost somebody else’s life or his own,’ he said. ‘If that kind of reckless speed is continued, anything can happen; a miscalculation can have fatal consequences for many people,’

Authorities arrested the driver following the chase, which ended in a routine detainment protocol, pending the arrival of an ambulance to retrieve the vehicle.

‘We are waiting for an ambulance to come and pick up the vehicle; the officer will then detain him at the nearest police station,’ Smith confirmed.

In light of the Easter weekend, a period synonymous with significant long-distance travel in South Africa, Smith took time to visit the Long-distance bus station in Cape Town.

‘Many people are travelling significant distances to get to families all over the country,’ he mentioned. ‘Our first priority is for them to be safe,’

As traffic intensifies, Smith’s focus remains crystal clear: ensuring the safety of all passengers. In relation to safety inspections, he reported that one bus was held back due to inadequate safety measures.

‘We explained to the passengers, who are obviously frustrated with not being able to move, that the compromise of their safety is just not worth that extra saved time,’ Smith stated..