Reckless driver arrested after 204km/h chase: how AI helped catch KZN speedster

A MOTORIST caught driving at 204km/h in a BMW, near Park Rynie, on the KZN South Coast tried to evade arrest by fleeing and hiding at a golf estate.

Using artificial intelligence and advanced technology, RTI officers tracked him down despite his attempts to avoid detection by removing his vehicle's number plates.

The motorist who is from Durban, appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrates Court after his arrest on charges of speeding, reckless driving and fleeing from traffic officers.

He was granted bail of R3,000 and is expected to return to court with his legal representatives on February 25. 

The incident occurred when the RTI officers stopped the motorist for speeding.

Realising that he could face arrest and detention, the driver sped off from the scene.

In his haste, he left his identification document behind with the RTI officers.

Following a meticulous investigation, which included the analysis of video footage and the use of advanced technology, the RTI team managed to trace the suspect.

He was later found hiding at a golf estate on the south coast.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, praised the RTI team for their work and the use of modern technology to track down the suspect.

“Thanks to artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology, the RTI were able to trace his movements to a golf estate,” said Duma.

He added that high-resolution imaging and real-time data analysis revealed that the suspect had removed the vehicle’s registration number plates in an attempt to avoid being identified.

“The analysis also showed another individual removing the vehicle from the golf sstate,” Duma said.

Using AI-driven systems that detect, track and analyse behaviour in real time, RTI officers were able to locate the suspect hiding inside a villa within the estate.

He was arrested through an operation supported by AI-enabled CCTV cameras and IoT sensors.

POST