JOHANNESBURG – The recent spate of outrageously high fine amounts (100 times the original penalty amount) on AARTO 09 results of representations originating from the JMPD when they summarily reject AARTO 08 representations has caused widespread panic and disbelief in the hearts of affected parties.

The explanation that has been offered by the JMPD through the RTIA’s deputy registrar, Mr Sherman Amos on the Midday Report on talk Radio 702 was that that this was caused by a “software upgrade” which has now caused the JMPD’s finances to be represented in cents. This explanation differs from the one given to the Times Newspaper which said that it was caused by the dropping of a decimal point. [More]

JOHANNESBURG – Justice Project South Africa has responded with amazement to the fact that SANRAL has claimed in its media statement that the essence of the “South African National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act Regulations Draft” is not intended to compel motorists to buy eTags and register with SANRAL. With the exception of the first paragraph, their release (below ours) reads like an advertisement for eTags and nothing more!

The core essence and purpose of the draft legislation, whilst not directly stating that motorists will actually be forced to have SANRAL’s modern-day, electronic dompas in their vehicles is quite clearly intended to provide for just that. [More]

JOHANNESBURG – It was with surprise that JPSA and the Automobile Association of South Africa read an article which appeared in the Beeld Newspaper of Tuesday 1 February 2012 entitled “Dok op of gaan na hof” (cough up or go to court), referring to the service of AARTO infringement notices sent by ordinary mail by the JMPD. We have subsequently obtained the additional letters referred to in this article and they have reference.

As has been widely reported, JPSA laid an official complaint with the office of the Public Protector in Pretoria (complaint reference: 40832/11) in June 2011, after numerous attempts to address the matter through the JMPD, RTMC and RTIA failed, despite the then acting Registrar of the RTIA repeatedly stating in the media, in radio interviews and in writing that the service of AARTO 03 infringement notices by ordinary mail was NOT lawful.

On 11 January 2011, the then Acting and now fully appointed Registrar of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), Mr Japh Chuwe wrote to the JMPD “requesting” that they cease sending out infringement notices by ordinary mail in contravention of Section 30(1) of the AARTO Amendment Act. This “request” was summarily ignored – as happens when requests are made. [More]

Khulubuse Zuma, the nephew of President Jacob Zuma and Aurora Empowerment Systems boss, has been arrested and tried for speeding in Ballito after his silver, convertible Maserati, was clocked at 181km/h.

Zuma, who is also chairman of the embattled gold mining company Aurora Empowerment Systems, was apprehended by Road Traffic Inspectorate officials in Ballito, on the KZN North Coast on January 9.

He was believed to have been in the company of his mother at the time. [More]

JOHANNESBURG – Following the complaint lodged with the Public Protector on 16 June 2011 by JPSA and the ongoing saga surrounding the JMPD’s unlawful issue of AARTO 03 infringement notices since 1 June 2010, it has recently come to light that a new tactic is being employed by the JMPD to get people to pay unlawful fines.

On 11 January 2011, the then Acting and now fully appointed Registrar of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), Mr Japh Chuwe wrote to the JMPD “requesting” that they cease sending out infringement notices by ordinary mail in contravention of Section 30(1) of the AARTO Amendment Act. This “request” was summarily ignored – as happens when requests are made. [More]

JOHANNESBURG – Justice Project South Africa (JPSA) was horrified to learn this morning that the JMPD failed to have blood samples taken from Sibusiso Langa, the accused in the Midrand tragedy that took the lives of 5 “joggers” within the prescribed two hours. Ref here. Jurisdiction has absolutely nothing to do with it, given that SAPS have jurisdiction over the entire nation of South Africa and cases can be transferred between stations if necessary. That is simply an excuse that is not going to wash!

Immediately on learning about the crash on Saturday 22 October 2011, JPSA contacted Superintendent Edna Mamonyane of the JMPD and offered to pay for the blood samples taken from the accused in this case to be analysed by a private laboratory, so as to expedite the matter and bring it to a swift conclusion. We were never taken up on that offer and now we know why. [More]

The allegedly drunk driver, Sibusiso Langa, who mowed down 6 runners training for the Soweto Marathon last Saturday morning was on Friday 22 October 2011, granted R80,000 bail in the Pretoria Magistrates Court. His driving licence has also been suspended as part of his bail conditions.

Sibusiso Langa - Road Killer

Following this, the RTMC's Ashref Ismail lauded this action, saying: "We welcome both the R80 000 bail and the suspension of his driver's license... we want this condition to be upheld for all cases of drunken driving." So too does Justice Project South Africa as a much more clear message must be sent to people who think it is clever to drink and then drive. [More]

Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called for the driver of the vehicle that mowed down six joggers, killing five of them, in Johannesburg on Saturday to be charged with murder.

According to reports, the driver of a Mercedes-Benz ML500 rammed into the runners preparing for next month's Soweto Marathon at about 6am on the corner of Olifantsfontein and Lever roads in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Witnesses claim he was so drunk that he had to be reminded that he had driven into the group of joggers. [More]

JOHANNESBURG – Justice Project South Africa (JPSA) has reacted with utter dismay and horror at the announcement that Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has instructed SANRAL to halt all work on Toll Roads. To use your words, Mister Minister, we are “shocked” at your lack of foresight!

In a statement released by the Department of Transport on Sunday 23 October, it was stated that “The Minister of Transport Mr Sibusiso Ndebele has instructed the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to halt all road projects processes related to the tolling of national roads.” The release goes on to say “He says while the first phase of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan has delivered good road infrastructure, it was an expensive exercise that has drawn sharp views from the public.” [More]

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has ordered an investigation into a fake licence scam in Johannesburg.

According to a report by The Star today (Tuesday, 18 October), fake learner's and driving licences are being sold across Johannesburg for between R800 and R4 500. The Star investigation claimed to have found that fake licences were available at four of the five City of Johannesburg testing centres. [More]