After the City of Cape Town launched a public appeal for the identification of a Cape Town driver who was caught littering and making an obscene gesture at a tour bus occupants in a video that went viral across social media platforms, it has since been confirmed that the motorist came forward and paid an admission of guilt fine, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason, the City became aware earlier this week of the video, and the perpetrator came forward of his own accord on Saturday, 27 December.
‘We can confirm that he came forward on his own accord and has paid the admission of guilt fine of R500 in terms of the City’s Integrated Waste Management By-Law,‘ said Dyason.
Dyason added that the City thanks the motorist for ‘doing the right thing and reminds the public to please refrain from littering or any other by-law transgressions.’
‘These might seem like minor infractions, but the law is the law and applies to all, without fear or favour,‘ he concluded.
The motorist had reportedly already been identified by several people on social media by the time he came forward. Speaking to News24, City’s MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith said law enforcement officers had identified him in under an hour after the video began trending.
‘He then called in [the night before] to make arrangements, and [the following day] he presented himself to law enforcement,‘ the publication quoted Smith as saying.
Smith added that in addition to fines, the vehicles of littering offenders may be impounded in some cases.
The City and JP Smith are seeking information of a littering Cape Town driver who is officially wanted after footage of the incident has gone viral, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The viral clip shows the motorist tossing litter from a vehicle at a busy Cape Town CBD intersection. A tour guide who was travelling on a MyCiTi bus steps off, picks the item up and returns it to the car.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
The driver then throws the litter back onto the road and makes an obscene gesture at the bus occupants.
Cape Town’s safety portfolio holder JP Smith shared the footage and asked the public to help identify those involved, saying the footage would be useful to investigators. ‘We’re seeking the public’s help to identify two people in a viral video,’ the Facebook post reads.
Littering and illegal dumping draw fines and, in some cases, prosecution under City by-laws and national legislation. The city has increased enforcement and issued hundreds of fines in recent seasons as it expands its by-law teams. ‘This shows a massive increase,’ a city official said about recent enforcement figures (MiCiTi).
Anyone with information about either the tour guide or motorist can contact the PECC on 021 480 7700.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Cape Town fines transgressors R57 500 for littering and illegal dumping
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
