Cape motorists owe CoCT over R9m for outstanding warrants

The City of Cape Town says it has made some strides in tracking down some motorists with the highest number of outstanding warrants, on the infamous Top 100 list, but they are concerned, as many remain at large.

The City said, as of last Monday, the individuals on the list account for 9 430 outstanding warrants, valued at more than R9.1 million

The top offender has 268 warrants, valued at just under R300 000.

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Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith said, between January and June 2023, traffic services issued close to 15 000 warrants and arrested about 2 000 of these warrants.

‘’The list represents the lack of accountability that so many road users appear to have no problem with. Transgressions by the hundreds, and no motivation to pay the fines or acknowledge their wrongdoing, because they think they can get away with it. Our specialised team who chases down the Top 100 offenders has a very tough time, as legislation dictates that warrants must be served in person. Sometimes, they have to resort to stakeouts to track down individuals, as happened recently in Masiphumelele.’’

Smith attributed these arrests to its Automated Number Plate Recognition technology (ANPR)

‘’With ANPR technology set to become far more widely used in the coming months, as part of our smart policing initiatives, I do want to sound a warning to all scofflaws that it greatly increases the chances of being caught. So, unless they want to spend time behind bars, I’d advise that they reach out and make arrangements to clear their fines and warrants, but also amend their driving behaviour in the interests of road safety,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security.

‘’The public is also reminded that the National Road Traffic Act empowers local authorities to place an administration mark against the identity number of an offender with outstanding warrants, which means the person is unable to perform any transactions on the Natis system, like the renewal of driving licences and motor vehicle licences,’’ he added.

Done By: Esona Mfazwe