(VIDEO) No to illicit spinning, drifting and drag racing
Residents are now pleading with the municipality to intervene, and said they’ve even identified suitable property near the N4 next to Middelburg Mall to develop a drag strip and spinning platform.
Illicit spinning, drifting, and drag racing have become a growing concern for both law enforcement and some residents, and it’s happening almost daily.
A Mhluzi resident shared video footage of a car spinning, which the resident admits he supports, but at a properly designed venue with safety protocols in place for both drivers and spectators.
What concerned the resident was vehicles spinning in a four-way crossing next to a tavern in Mhluzi.
He said that in the current format, without proper safety protocols in place, lives are in danger.
The local council is not opposed to the establishment of a drag strip and spinning platform, which can measure about 50m².
“The unauthorised spinning poses risks for spectators and it causes unnecessary congestion for normal cars,” the resident said, “Using space for such activity can lead to damage of property, not to mention injury or death.”
The resident further explained that even young kids are attending these types of events, which happen late at night, mostly on Sunday evenings on predetermined routes.
The routes are normally communicated over secret drag and spinning WhatsApp groups.
In the past, a route or area has been leaked to law enforcement and traffic authorities, who then lie in wait.
But as soon as blue lights are spotted, attendees scatter at a high speed. They then merely regroup elsewhere.
Hundreds of residents attend these racing and spinning events.
@middelburgobserver A Mhluzi resident shared video footage of a car spinning, which the resident admits he supports, but at a properly designed venue with safety protocols in place for both drivers and spectators.
Spectators line the streets near the action without barricades or authorities to oversee the safety measures, including paramedics, and sometimes there is flying debris.
However, the residents are not calling for the sport to be dismissed, since it is so popular.
Late Mayor Bagudi Tolo even instructed the municipal administration to identify suitable land for the development of a drag strip shortly before his passing.
Residents are now pleading with the municipality to intervene, and said they’ve even identified suitable property near the N4 next to Middelburg Mall to develop a drag strip and spinning platform.
They just need investors and the green light from the municipality so it can be built and be an authorised place to legally spin, drift and race.
A media enquiry was sent to the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality regarding the unauthorised illegal spinning.
The municipality said it has a dedicated team that patrols and monitors illegal spinning and emphasised that it is illegal to partake in any sport on public roads, “No person shall organise or take part in any sport or race on public roads, unless prior written consent is given,” said Sibusiso Chauke.
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