Wrongfully accused motorist speaks up

Editor

THERE has been quite a response to this ‘initiative’ by the Metro Police to recover outstanding traffic fines, some pro and others anti the proposed actions. One very important aspect that seems to have escaped the notice of all is that of fraudulently issued fines, namely fines issued without an offence being committed.

The subject of ‘quotas’ being given to Metro Police to obtain/fulfil a daily number of fines has been raised previously. I was issued a fine for R500 for a traffic offence in a part of Durban at a time that I was never in that area.

I immediately approached the Metro Police office in that area, but could not obtain any information from them in connection with a copy of the ticket that was supposedly affixed to my vehicle. I was directed to the Magistrate’s Court. There again there was no meaningful assistance available. I was given a form on which to make a representation to the Metro Police in respect of the ‘offence’.

This form, duly completed with my reasons for disputing the alleged offence, was then taken to five different prosecutors in Verulam and Durban and seven times to the Metro Police offices in Durban. I could not get anyone to listen to my version of the events at the alleged time and place of the traffic offence. I was simply told I must appear in court. We are also told that the courts are overloaded with cases. No wonder!

As a result of this illegal action by a Metro policeman I could end up with a criminal record for an offence that was not committed. I am sure that this type of action by the Metro Police has been experienced by many citizens of this city and who will be harassed by the police in the proposed road blocks.

Innocent

Durban North