Paula Luckhoff14 May 2025 | 14:40

Arrests, impoundments, as JMPD clamps down on errant delivery bike riders

So far, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has confiscated 15 motorbikes and arrested ten riders for contravention of the Immigration Act.

Arrests, impoundments, as JMPD clamps down on errant delivery bike riders

JMPD operation targets illegal, unsafe delivery bike operations - Facebook/JMPD

702's John Perlman is joined by JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has intensified operations targeting illegal and unsafe delivery bike operations in the Rosebank area.

It says this is part of a broader citywide initiative to ensure traffic safety, compliance with municipal bylaws, as well as the protection of pedestrians and motorists.

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To date, 15 motorbikes have been impounded for violations including obstruction and lack of licensing. 

Ten riders have been arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, and one other for dealing in dagga.

While the hope is that these operations will result in more compliance, continuing lawlessness will result in a continued JMPD clampdown, says spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

"With the operation we had yesterday that continues today, people were arrested for not carrying valid documentation for them to be working in the country and fines were issued for drivers operating these vehicles without a valid driver's licence.... Our biggest concern is the number of people arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act."
Xolani Fihla, Spokesperson - JMPD

The JMPD has also called on companies and delivery platforms to ensure that their riders comply with all relevant legislation and to prioritise road safety.

This is a first step, says Fihla, and if these providers do not comply, tougher measures will come into play.

For more detail, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article