It soon became evident that somebody was driving a vehicle that has the same registration number as Van Heerden's caravan.
The speed camera photos show that a white Mitsubishi SUV has been speeding down the streets of George and Wilderness. While there are still four fines in the post (he established this by phoning the traffic department), he estimated that the total tallied up by the mystery man comes to approximately R8 000.
The George Traffic Department has been unable to track down the culprit. Although the officials were friendly and helpful and had the fines withdrawn, it has now become a matter of principle for Van Heerden that the issue be brought to an end. Van Heerden, a former journalist and currently a merchandise manager, said this week, "This has gone far enough. I want the culprit brought to book. He is having a jolly time and people should not get away with this."
Siphiwe James, Acting Director for Community Services, says the registration number CAW 52797 belongs to a caravan. In terms of the offences which relate to speed, the vehicle in question using the licence plate in question is a Mitsubishi SUV.
"The deliberate falsification of a registration plate is a serious offence which may lead to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle. The public is requested to report this vehicle to the George Traffic Services or their nearest SAPS if spotted. The details of the vehicle will be given to all traffic officers and law enforcement officers in the interim to actively search for the culprit. When it comes to this specific offence there is zero tolerance."
Johan Smit, the owner of Smitties Number Plates, said that there are only five number plate manufacturers in George and they are compelled by law to keep a register of the details of the vehicles for which plates are manufactured. "I work from the car registration papers and record the details from that in my register."
The CAW 52797 Mitsubishi SUV caught on camera.
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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