Image Source: All Africa
Local – Despite reports indicating that South African roads have become somewhat safer this year, with national crash and fatality figures showing a marked decline, Johannesburg’s suburbs continue to face a deadly and growing threat from illegal street racing.
Quiet neighbourhoods in Rosebank, Fourways, and Midrand are being transformed into dangerous racetracks during early morning hours, putting innocent lives in danger.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to intervene and halt this reckless practice urgently. Michael Sun, MPL, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety, said the party had been inundated with complaints from residents who live in fear, as their once-peaceful streets have become zones of chaos and tragedy.
“Every weekend morning, residents along Cedar Road in Fourways are jolted awake by the deafening roar of modified engines and motorbikes speeding through their neighbourhood. Our communities cannot become battlegrounds for ego-fuelled speed chases.”
Earlier this month, a fatal crash on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank highlighted the dangers of illegal racing.
At approximately 5:30 am on July 12, 2025, three vehicles were reportedly racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. Sun detailed the devastating outcome of the incident, which claimed two lives.
“One of the racers died at the scene. Tragically, an innocent Uber driver was also struck head-on and lost his life. The occupants of the other two racing vehicles fled the scene.”
Just a day later, on July 13, 2025, the problem persisted. High-powered vehicles were again seen racing, this time on Allandale Road in Midrand.
Sun said the incident was witnessed by Ward Councillor Annette Deppe, highlighting the ongoing and unchecked nature of these races.
“At approximately 8:50 am, a group of six or seven high-powered vehicles were witnessed racing down the public road as if it were a private speedway.”
DA Criticises Johannesburg Police for Failing to Act
The DA has criticised the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for failing to take action against offenders.
Sun said that despite repeated incidents and fatalities, little progress has been made in apprehending racers or enforcing laws.
“This sheer lack of service delivery is particularly concerning, as reckless driving is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act.”
The party has engaged directly with the Chief of JMPD and SAPS Station Commanders to demand urgent intervention. Sun said this matter will also be raised in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
“We will be tabling questions to Premier Lesufi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine how many illegal racing incidents have been reported in the past five years, how many people have been killed, and whether gangs or drugs were involved.”
DA Proposes Stronger Enforcement and Safe Alternatives
Sun said a DA-led provincial government would take a stricter stance on illegal racing by ensuring law enforcement fully exercises its powers to combat the issue.
He added that solutions must also include providing safe, regulated alternatives for motor enthusiasts.
“A DA-led Gauteng government would ensure that both the JMPD and SAPS fully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed powers to curb the scourge of illegal racing.”
“We would also explore the creation or support of safe, regulated facilities where motor enthusiasts can enjoy their sport without endangering the lives of others.”
