DA calls on Lesufi to intervene as illegal street racing claims lives in Johannesburg

The DA has called on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to urgently intervene in the rising crisis of illegal street racing across Johannesburg’s suburbs, warning that the lives of innocent residents are increasingly at risk due to reckless and criminal behaviour on public roads.

According to the DA Gauteng, areas such as Rosebank, Fourways, and Midrand have become hotspots for dangerous early-morning races, with residents regularly disturbed by the deafening noise of high-powered engines and left fearing for their safety.

The party says complaints have surged, and the authorities are failing to act.

A devastating incident on  July 12, 2025, at approximately 5:30 am on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank highlighted the deadly consequences.

Three vehicles were reportedly racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. One racer died at the scene, and an innocent Uber driver was killed in a head-on collision. The other drivers fled, leaving behind a scene of chaos and tragedy.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said Michael Sun, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety.

“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.”

Just a day later, on July 13, 2025, another incident was reported in Midrand, said Sun. 

Ward Councillor Annette Deppe witnessed a group of six or seven high-powered vehicles racing down Allandale Road at high speed, again placing lives at risk.

The DA said the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have failed to address the problem, despite reckless driving being a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act, with penalties that include fines, imprisonment, and licence suspension.

“The sheer lack of service delivery is particularly concerning,” said Sun.

“Our communities cannot become battlegrounds for ego-fuelled speed chases.”

Sun said the DA has met with the Chief of JMPD and SAPS Station Commanders to demand swift and targeted enforcement.

They are also preparing to table questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine how many illegal street racing incidents have been recorded over the past five years, how many lives have been lost, and whether there is any link to gangs or drug activity.

“A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that both the JMPD and SAPS fully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed powers to curb the scourge of illegal racing,” said Sun.

“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.”

“The DA will continue to fight against this deadly trend and ensure it is halted before more lives are lost,'' he said. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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