Speedster loses 'Japanese toy'

2008-07-20 23:15

Sphumelele Mngoma

Pietermaritzburg - A speeding biker, without registration plates, thought he had outwitted traffic officers when he sped off without a fine, but, in the end, he got slapped with two more fines and had his motor cycle impounded.

Msunduzi traffic inspector G K Moodley said the New Germany resident was caught doing 148km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N3 south bound, near the Liberty Midlands Mall.

However, when the traffic officers stopped him, he pretended to be slowing down, but soon sped off the freeway into Market Road.

The officers gave chase in their vehicles, but had to radio other stations for help.

The 49-year-old man was later apprehended on Old Road (R103) in Cato Ridge.

"He admitted guilt and was brought back to the scene. He was fined R1 250 for exceeding the speed limit. He also was fined for failing to stop and driving without license plates," said Moodley.

As if that were not enough, his Japanese toy, the silver Kawasaki ZX636 motorcycle was also impounded.

Taking a stern stand

According to Moodley, such behaviour was common among bikers, who failed to stop for fines.

"It happens quite often, they pretend to be stopping, but pump the accelerator and they are gone."

He warned that they would be taking a "stern stance" again such erratic behaviour.

The man whom the traffic department refused to name was charged under section 56, which allows for offenders to pay the fine by a certain date or appear in court.

For this reason, the biker could not be named. He has until August 28 to pay up or appear in court in September.

- The Witness