Cape Town Metro Police “Ghost Squad” Photos
I got this email this morning. I guess we all have to be a bit more careful as we nip around.
We usually speed because we running late, so do your self a favour and check out the traffic around Cape Town in real time on this Traffic Cam Page.
Be especially wary of a white golf 5 GTi.
**Update** 6nd December 2009: The Ghost Squad has recently upgraded their fleet and now have included Silver Golf 6 GTi’s and were at the FIFA Long street Party as seen here.
In a major effort to reduce road deaths and clamp down on serious traffic violations, the spruced-up and better resourced Cape Town Traffic Service has launched a specialist unit operating in unmarked vehicles, dubbed the Ghost Squad.
The highly trained specialist unit will use powerful new cars and motorcycles of different colours to blend into traffic across the Peninsula, from Atlantis to Gordon’s Bay.
Offending motorists will be flagged down by uniformed officers, with powers to arrest, using sirens, public address systems and flashing blue lights.
Officers on motorcycles will be hard to spot in traffic, wearing regular helmets and plain dark jackets.
The unit will focus on collision-causing traffic offences such as reckless and negligent driving, cutting in, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal U-turns and using a cellphone without a hands-free set.
“Motorists tend to only obey traffic laws when a traffic officer is in the vicinity. We intend to change this mindset by deploying ‘invisible‘ law enforcement through the Ghost Squad,” said JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security. Heathcliff Thomas, head of Traffic Services in Cape Town, said if the traffic police wanted to establish high visibility, 10 000 uniformed traffic officers would have been needed. “So we decided, let’s rather box smart. We want to establish omnipresence,”
Thomas said.
Based at Gallows Hill Traffic Department in Green Point, the Ghost Squad will work closely with other specialist units in the Cape Town Traffic Service such as video surveillance, highway patrol and public transport. The unit, headed by Inspector Lance Crowster, is trained in advanced motor vehicle and motorcycle driving, and advanced weapons tactics.The 12 hand-picked officers each have more than 10 years experience and will soon be joined by 40 additional specially trained officers.
Of 117 issued fines, 40 were for unlicenced drivers, 33 for unlicensed vehicles and 13 for overloaded taxis.
Some offenders were government officials.
How to protect yourself:
Remember check out the traffic around Cape Town in real time on this Traffic Cam Page.
It is legal to install a GPS system in your vehicle and many of the newer models allow you to map where all the traffic camera’s and mobile traps are.
If you are looking for an entry level, affordable option, I would recommend the Garmin Nuvi 205
Here are some of the features:
-A-
Hoax. Total hoax.
CCT=registration for ANY vehicle belonging to City of Cape Town.
The pic of the car above with the roof carrier doesn’t have CCT plates…it is just a normal roof carrier.
Lights in grill=driving lights
Lights in back window may be police vehicle, but note the pic is so closely cropped you can’t see what kind of car it is in, let alone if it has CCT plates or even if it is South African,
HOAX!!!
by Sweet Violet
on 04. Aug, 2009
The pictures might be a hoax, agreed. But atleast the statements made by JP Smith show commitment to road safety.
by aslam
on 04. Aug, 2009
I think this is really good! Less accidents and more Taxi’s being repremanded for their reckless driving! I’m all for this new unit and think that the more there are the better! The only thing is the’ll have to up the standards and personel of the traffic departments as well and sort out the enormous back log for drivers and learners licences. Also to deal more quantifull with queries and sorting out renewals etc. We need to geet ahead and this looks like a good start.
Well done!!
by jaun
on 06. Aug, 2009
I was recently pulled over in a road block and asked for my license card (expiry date 20/7/2009). I had renewed it on the 17/7/2009. Had the appropriate receipt. Extending the receipt and the license card to the officer I was informed that I was an unlicensed driver. I could not believe the moron!By renewing before expiry date I had extended my license card validity for 3 months. Its 1 thing breaking the law and getting cuffed, but a whole other story when the enforcing officer DOES NOT KNOW the law he enforces! I went to the traffic department and got a copy of the Act and the section proving his incompetence! (Bit of a vent)
I think ghost squads are good. At least they will be highly trained.
by Flanders
on 10. Aug, 2009
This is all a fake, i recently saw a toyota tazz with the same gadgets. Also if you look closely since when does the police drive around with staysoft in there cars?
by Gareth
on 20. Aug, 2009
@Gareth Nice spotting the staySoft
by aslam
on 20. Aug, 2009
@Gareth, the police don’t do washing? Gotta keep those ghost sheets whiter than white somehow…
by coda
on 21. Aug, 2009
Actually they do exist (as do the unmarked motorcycles) – if you drive along Jan Smuts drive (direction Epping to Athlone) just after you cross the N2 you can see them parked there in the mornings. Others have spotted them in traffic too.
.-= Deems´s last blog ..Computer Troubleshooting Guide =-.
by Deems
on 02. Sep, 2009
Lol, yes white Golf MK5 GTI… beware!
by Andrew
on 18. Sep, 2009
All true guys. White GTI, lights and all. The corolla in not one, but it is true. So for those that think it a hoax do so at your own peril. I would love to see Sweet Violet’s face when one of those suckers pull her off!
PS. I have staysoft in my car to for aroma. Why should cops be any different.
by Splank
on 19. Oct, 2009
Guys we got pulled over 2 days ago by a silver Golf 6 GTI …. and we could not beleive what we saw with this nice car and its a 5-0 driving it …. ITS ALL TRU …. not the COROLLA though
by donovan
on 26. Oct, 2009
Cool – the ghost squad can start @ the three way stop @ ABSA Bayside – $$$$$$$$$ for Cape Town
by Stefan
on 04. Nov, 2009
The Ghost Squad exists so IGNORE if you will, just more entries into the fine book.
Information:
ALL vehicles will have CCT plates.
ALL the officers MUST be in FULL UNIFORM.
Beware criminals that try and emulate this.
Be safe and watch your collective sixes.
by Bodie
on 09. Nov, 2009
These unmarked cars is creating a presedent that can be abused by hijackers. Cause one is bound by law to stop for blue lights and a siren.???? I can tell u one thing , try to pull me off with a unmarked car an see what happens. If an Offical vehicle is not marked properly so I can identify you as a traffic officer I will see U as a possible hijacker and I will treat U as such.
by Sarel
on 16. Nov, 2009
[...] Police “Ghost Squad” at the FIFA Final Draw Long Street Party When my first post on the Ghost squad was published in July there was lots of speculation into whether they really existed. As countless [...]
by Metro Police "Ghost Squad" at the FIFA Final Draw Long Street Party | Aslam Levy
on 08. Dec, 2009
Yes, they do exist – I saw one pulling over a vehicle on the N1 inbound just last week. Officer was fully uniformed and the grille lights were indeed flashing all colours of the rainbow.
That said the issue of impersonation is a real one (my father nearly falling for said trick). He has very cleverly laminated an “Identification Please” A4 sized poster and leaves it in the vehicle. He slows down enough for the vehicle to pull up next to him (and to make it obvious that he is not attempting to outrun them) and sticks it against the window. Failing this, he drives to a police station where, if the officer is legit, he/she can check the vehicle for as long as he/she wishes.
by sam
on 08. Dec, 2009
Why dont the Metro Police take over the Pinchers tow trucks from the Traffic Deprt. they can do some good work in the inner city and the Traffic Dept are useless or non operational.
by Yaseen Goolam
on 29. Dec, 2009
The Ghost squad. Are they only confined to certain areas?
by Tessa
on 08. Jan, 2010
the ghost squad does exist and they are serious about their work! Q? Why are they so hard on the nrmal motorists i understand there hve 2 be rules definitely but pulling u over 2 check the space between ya arch and ya wheels cum on guys while the taxis and buses are takin over the roads
by marvin
on 12. Jan, 2010
I have seen these Golfs myself, and the officers driving wear plain clothes, although i’ve seen some bullet proof vests. It’s a good thing, but what is the legalities aound this? Who proposed this idea, and why were we not informed about it. Don’t we get a vote on what our tax money is spent.
We as citizens can’t be obligated(by law) to just stop for any car with blue lights. I think this crap is unfair! Who do we complain to? Or are we running a tyranny here?
by KicKerK
on 22. Jan, 2010
This is just another excuse for Big Brother to clamp down on us. Ghost squad reaks of new world order.
Rules and laws are for the contemplation of intelligent individuals and the blind following of idiots.
Matching their goals (law enforcement and society control) with ours (fear of ‘crime’) is the oldest trick in the book.
What are you doing while the world becomes a fascist state?
Don’t fall for this bollocks, in any case why do we need to be policed so, this is 2010 we are a thinking people.
The Jackie Selebi (swept under the carpet )Trial is blatant evidence that the police are passionatly involved in crime at its deepest level. All part of their ‘stepping stone poilcy’ called problem -reaction-solution. Create a problem, (crime. until the people react, and offer the solution, more police more cameras, more invasion of privacy and ultimatly microchipped population.
I hope your granny , mother sister isn’t a victim of this type of abuse , like my aunt was. Driving along the M5 Cape Town on her way home pulled over aggressively by two ‘Ghosts’ who proceeded to body search her and drive her car home to know where she lived in case she laid a complaint.
All for a good feel.
by The Shaman
on 26. Feb, 2010
hmmmm whoever thought of the ghost squad idea is seriously in it for the money , instead of wasting millions on “Sooped up ” cars, why not build more race tracks? o and another thing have a look at the GTI above… that car clearly has a lowered suspension so why on earth is it ok for them to modify their cars yet they want to fine and remove license disks of other road users??? honestly i think they are a pathetic waste of time, resources and tax payers hard earned money!
by jaybee
on 07. Apr, 2010
Yeah no kidding, well was gunna visit the Cape this summer, not now after reading some of these blogs. Dude if that really did happen too you’re aunty…them being aggressive etc…driving her home…blah blah so they’d know where she lives. I plan to spend my Canadian Dollars here this year and never have another Vacation…there again..what a waste of money…bust the crack and meth dealers?? Idiots…buy GTI’s instead….lmao..way to go!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOL
by Rob
on 12. Apr, 2010
look guys believe you me they are yere as a relative of mine is in the squad and they aint taking crap even im to scared to drive they even removed my disc at a illegal drag race so watch out GHOST BUSTERS ARE YERE!!!!!!
by G-BOY
on 28. Apr, 2010
I agree with jaybee!! They are a waste of time and a waste of our (taxpayers) money. They are supposed to enforce the law not break it. Why are we fined if we park on yellow/red lines, yet they can park there? Saw 2 in Lawrence Road, Athlone yesterday – CCT 31535 parking on a red line and CA 198 555 parking on a yellowline. And the drivers were no-where to be seen.
by Anne
on 26. May, 2010
Also watch out for a white Double Cab Ford Ranger, White Citi Golf & white Toyota Corrolla 2010 model. Plus they are soon going to introduce a speed camera that can catch you from over 1km away.
by warren
on 29. May, 2010
i am happy with the hole idea. now the are less street racing at night. even thou i love watching them but for the safety of our nation….
by S.Ngamlana
on 02. Jun, 2010
Listen here it is not a hoax so stop being arrogant I have seen the Ghost Squad with my own eyes in my area and recently there was an accident on Kroomboom rd where the Ghost Squad had to block off traffic. All the above pictures are real. The officers also drive large motorbikes in colours such as yellow and green with hidden lights as well that flash blue and flashing white lights in the headlights. The lights and plates are all real so stop being foolish and obey the law. If you don’t I hope they catch you.
by Cam
on 13. Aug, 2010
lol.. dudes….never will street racing be stoped…toy boys rule…
by dikkie
on 27. Aug, 2010
Believe me,the Capetown Metro police are useless,their heart is not in their job[by and large]in my opinion.The blatant disregard for law and order in South-africa,and this can be seen by the behavoir of the motorists in general,is evident of this.I have driven abroad,and have observed how diligently 99 percent of the people obey the rules,especially the rules of the road,and are too scared to do otherwise,as the police over there are on the ball,wide awake,dedicated to their task.These Metro police of Capetown are lazy individuals ,I have too often seen motorists commit traffic offences,in full view of the Metro police,and they are not pursued.Law and order in South africa is a joke,people seem to do just as they please,from major crimes to minor traffic offences.I have been abroad many times,and would love to emmigrate,at least to be in a system of law and order.
by Trevor
on 29. Aug, 2010