Speedster excuses, 'stupid' to 'late'

Stock picture by Jennifer Bruce

Stock picture by Jennifer Bruce

Published Apr 29, 2013

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Rushing to catch a flight, going to hospital to see a cousin who’d just had an accident, and stupidity were some of the reasons that 10 arrested motorists gave for speeding over the weekend – before ending up behind bars.

Ekurhuleni metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago said that from Friday to yesterday morning, the police had arrested 10 motorists for speeding in Alberton and Brakpan.

Of the 10 offenders, nine had been released on bail ranging from R500 to R1000 after relatives came to rescue them. Only one remained in custody ahead of their court appearance.

“A male driver in his late fifties was caught doing 147km/h at 6.20am on Alrode and Dekenah roads in Alberton, which is a 70km/h zone.”

“He claimed he was rushing to Union Hospital where his cousin had just been admitted following an accident,” Kgasago said.

The second-highest speed recorded was 135km/h. The offender was a male driver in his mid-twenties.

Kgasago said the man, who was driving a BMW 3-Series sedan, claimed he was rushing to the airport.

“The other two arrests on this stretch of road in Alberton were of motorists who clocked 110km/h and 119km/h,” he said.

In Brakpan, six drivers were arrested, with the highest speed clocked at 136km/h on an 80km/h road.

“The arrested speedsters attributed their breaking the law to either lateness for work, their own stupidity, or to a sick parent or close relative,” according to Kgasago.

“They face charges relating to reckless and negligent driving.” -The Star

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