Soweto motorists pay up
2003-02-09 20:28
Johannesburg - A swoop by Johannesburg metro police over the weekend netted R250 000 from motorists who had arrest warrants against them for failing to appear in court after not paying traffic fines.
Metro police spokesperson, Conel Mackay, said the swoop concentrated on Diepkloof, Orlando East, Orlando West, Killarney and Meadowlands.
On Saturday metro policemen went out with 226 warrants and arrested 158 motorists. On Sunday they took 273 warrants and arrested 155 motorists.
A warrant itself carried a fine of R300, said Mackay. If arrested, a motorist could pay the R300 along with the original fine and then go free.
If he thought he had a case to put before the court, he was free to remain in custody until the next working day and then state his case to a magistrate.
More swoops were being planned, said Mackay.
- SAPA