IN THE DOCK: Scottburg motorist, Yusuf Ismail, was arrested after fleeing police while driving at 204 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.
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A Scottburgh man, Yusuf Ismail, is set to return to court in March for a plea and sentencing after allegedly driving at 204 km/h in a 120 km/h zone and fleeing from traffic officers, as reported by POST.
Ismail was apprehended earlier this month after Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers tracked him to a golf estate on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast. He faces serious charges, including speeding, reckless driving, and evading law enforcement.
According to the provincial Department of Transport, Ismail was stopped at a roadblock but allegedly sped off upon realising he would be detained. In the process, he reportedly left behind his identification document with the officers.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma stated on Thursday that RTI officials utilised artificial intelligence tools and advanced surveillance systems to trace the vehicle. High-resolution imaging and real-time analytics allegedly showed the vehicle’s number plates being removed.
Authorities further claim that another individual was seen moving the vehicle from the estate. Using AI-driven tracking technology, officers located Ismail hiding in a villa within the estate and arrested him.
Ismail appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on 9 February, where he was granted R3,000 bail. He reappeared in court this week and is due back in March.
Duma mentioned that more than 12 motorists have recently received criminal records following convictions for speeding and reckless driving. In some instances, drivers’ licences were revoked.
He described the enforcement drive as part of a broader campaign to improve safety across the province’s 34,000 km road network. The initiative, known as Nenzani La Ezweni, involves coordinated operations between RTI units and municipal traffic authorities.
Duma also noted that the department is working closely with the justice system to fast-track prosecutions, thanking the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, for allocating additional magistrates to the Scottburgh court.
“We are rolling out 24-hour operations throughout the province,” Duma said, adding that intensified enforcement would continue year-round.