Midnight drag racing crisis: uMhlanga residents demand action against noise pollution

RESIDENTS of upmarket uMhlanga are fighting back against night drag racers who turn their peaceful streets into racing circuits.

With authorities now promising a crackdown after years of disruption, will sleep finally return to this Durban tourist hub?

Residents claimed the reckless behaviour typically began on weekends around 9pm and continued into the early hours of the morning, with high-speed driving, revving engines, burnouts and donuts.

They said this was destroying the tranquillity of the “quiet, upmarket residential and tourism hub”.

Ward 35 councillor Bradley Singh said the situation had escalated to an unacceptable level, particularly over weekends, prompting authorities to move from observation to action.

“For too long, the Umhlanga community has endured the disruption and danger caused by early-morning drag racing. We recognise that these activities have escalated significantly over weekends, creating an untenable situation for residents,” Singh said.

He confirmed that a series of high-level meetings had been held with law enforcement agencies, including a strategy session last week with Metro Police.

“We are moving from monitoring to active enforcement. Our current progress includes multi-agency cooperation with the SAPS, Metro Police and the NPA. We have compiled extensive video footage and a database of vehicle registration numbers. Numerous roadblocks have already resulted in arrests,” said Singh.

He added that authorities were working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that cases lead to convictions rather than temporary detentions.

“We have a comprehensive plan in place, and the community can expect a continued, intensified police presence to reclaim our streets,” Singh said.

Long-time residents said the noise and reckless driving was taking a severe toll on their quality of life.

Chris Sweidan, who has lived on Chartwell Drive for nine years, described the situation as “unbearable”.

“We know what Umhlanga used to be. We live closer to the village side and on weekends cars drive recklessly and do burnouts till the early morning. It is loud enough to hear it in our home and it wakes up our young children. Even the birds wake up,” Sweidan said.

He identified several hotspots where the behaviour was most prevalent.

“We know the hotspots. It is Lighthouse Road at the traffic lights and near the Oceans Mall, at the big interchange. They consistently do burnouts and donuts. It is frustrating to hear continuous revving. They ‘peacock’ outside restaurants within a 300-metre radius, disturbing everyone,” he said.

Sweidan said he believed law enforcement had been inconsistent.

“Umhlanga is an easy area to enforce compliance, but with this issue I believe there is no genuine will to stop them. There is no enforcement and consequence management. We need a permanent officer to check cars and stop them the moment it gets out of hand. We need high-visibility policing,” he said.

He added that residents were often told there was insufficient manpower when they complained.

“They need to stop being reactive and start being proactive. This issue started before 2019. During the Covid-19 lockdown we had some peace, but once the restrictions were lifted, it started again and now it has been going on for two to three years,” said Sweidan.

According to him, peak times are after 9pm, with noise sometimes continuing until 2am.

“They come out when they see no enforcement. When we complain, after-hours enforcement is called, which does not help because by the time they show up, these drivers are long gone. The cars do not have number plates and are expensive modified cars. They only come onto our roads to show off and disrupt our lives,” he said.

Sweidan said some residents were suffering from sleep deprivation and were considering moving.

“It is sad. I am no longer comfortable walking in Umhlanga Village at night with my two young kids. These drag racers are harming our peace,” he said.

Dean Grobler, another resident and business owner who has lived in the area for 11 years, echoed similar concerns.

He said the problem was no longer limited to only weekends.

“The biggest issue with the current situation is the lack of manpower at the law enforcement agencies. The revving and wheel spinning happens weekly now, not just on weekends,” Grobler said.

He added that vehicles without number plates or with temporary plates made it difficult for law enforcement to track offenders.

“Metro and SAPS are making a big effort to curb this, but sadly it feels like until someone is knocked or killed, this will keep continuing,” Grobler said.

Despite the frustration, he praised law enforcement for their efforts.

“I applaud law enforcement for what they are trying to do. Hopefully the village takes a turn for the better,” he said.

Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu confirmed that the matter had been raised before and that patrols were increased.

“This complaint was raised before. We have intensified our blue light patrol. We are also investigating drag racing, where it takes place, the times and days of the week. Our guys are patrolling the area,” Zungu said.

Daryl Oliver, PRO for the Durban North Community Policing Forum (CPF), said residents also had a role to play in ensuring successful prosecutions.

“The CPF has set up a reporting form where residents can report racing, excessive revving, donuts and wheel spinning. It is not meant to replace the standard process of reporting to Durban Metro Police and SAPS, but to be used in conjunction with it,” Oliver said.

He explained that evidence was crucial.

“We will work with residents and law enforcement to build a case, but we do require photographic or preferably video evidence with clear vehicle details. While it is the responsibility of SAPS and Metro to enforce the law, it is up to residents to report these matters,” he said.

Oliver added that accountability is difficult without follow-through.

“If complaints have fallen on deaf ears, we need reference numbers or call logs to hold Metro Police or SAPS accountable. We do need follow-through from residents. When we ask for an affidavit or witness testimony, it is often not forthcoming. Without that, prosecution becomes a challenge,” he said.

Residents are urged to report negligent driving to Durban Metro Police on 031 361 0000 or SAPS on 10111. Complaints can also be logged with the Durban North CPF at https://dncpf.co.za/carform.

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