New JMPD Hotline to target reckless drivers

IN order to make reporting reckless and negligent driving behaviour, as well as by-law infringements across the City of Johannesburg as easy to report as possible, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) launched the Buya Mthetho Hotline pilot project on March 27.

The Reckless Driving Hotline WhatsApp number is 081 410 6338.

As the monthly release of these successes and challenges promotes the department to be proactive in its public safety efforts, the Hotline pilot project will allow JMPD to do just that.

This hotline now allows residents to report reckless and inconsiderate road behaviour along with other by-law infringements. They will be able to upload the footage onto the WhatsApp-based hotline whereafter JMPD will follow up and take the necessary actions.

Executive mayor of Johannesburg Clr Herman Mashaba said the launch of this pilot project is aimed at creating a safer City that is enhanced for all, especially since reckless driving and driving under the influence has been at the top of the monthly transgressions.

“On a daily basis, JMPD receives complaints of bad driving and blatant disregard of traffic laws and rules. We also receive complaints on noise and other by-law infringements. The frustration extends to social media where residents express their anger and frustration.

“Often and unfortunately these incidences are not reported to the correct authorities. We encourage our residents to use the Buya Mthetho Hotline and report those that are endangering the safety of others,” he said.

The hotline uses the WhatsApp platform where residents can:

• Take a clear photo or a video of the subject of complaint with registration number of the vehicle and other relevant information;

• Upload to the hotline with a short description including date, time and location of the incident; and

• Provide your name and contact details, which will be kept anonymous.

The photo or video must have been taken by the complainant themselves, and not forward photos or clips taken by a third party or downloaded from other sources. The complainant must also be able and willing to testify against the offender if required in terms of the legal process.

Once the complaint is received, JMPD will analyse the evidence and deal with it accordingly, including submission of the complaint to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution.

“I hope that through this pilot project we will be able to better design and implement a proper process to deal with video evidentiary complaints by the public and that offenders will be dealt with accordingly,” explained the mayor.

Voice complaints are still to be reported to JMPD on 011 375 5911.

It is important to also state that residents should only record incidents when it is safe to do.

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