Following an outcry from the public, authorities have decided to revoke a fine paid by a young man who claimed to be an Olympic swimmer after he was clocked driving at 188km/h on the N1 and arrested. The man is now to be prosecuted.
Adam Hack, 20, paid an admission of guilt fine of R1 500. By contrast, a court fined 5FM Dj Gareth Cliff R10 000 for doing 182km/h in a 120km zone in March.
Hack and his father, Adam, were caught racing in their Porsche GT3s on the N1 north near the John Vorster off-ramp in Centurion on Sunday.
Hack sr was clocked driving at 234km/h.
He made a brief appearance in the Centurion Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
He faces a charge of reckless and negligent driving, with an alternative charge of exceeding the speed limit.
Gauteng traffic police spokeswoman Busaphi Nxumalo said the department had received several calls from the public complaining about the admission of guilt fine.
“The public is concerned that people who so carelessly jeopardise the safety of others… can get off so easily,” she said.
Hack jr’s fine would be set aside, and he would be prosecuted in a court of law.
Nxumalo said that under the National Road Traffic Act, any person exceeding the speed limit by 40km/h or more should be prosecuted and not given the option of paying an admission of guilt fine.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60km/h – by driving at 180km/h or more – warranted an immediate arrest.
“The person could have their licence suspended for up to six months,” Nxumalo said.
“The department is happy about the decision of the court to prosecute (Hack jr).”
If it was found he had been driving recklessly, he should face the consequences.
Pretoria News