Alderman JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, has been accused of attending an illegal car meet in July 2023.

Smith, a visible public figure who has made it his mission to keep Cape Town’s streets safe, attended an event hosted by the local Porsche club, and it’s been alleged that he partook and approved illegal activities during this time.

Because he attended the event, the politician was accused of favouring certain car groups, while others must deal with the wrath of the law.

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On his official Facebook page, Smith set the record straight, saying that the event’s running was not illegal.

“Let me be clear: I do not own a Porsche. I own a much more affordable motor vehicle and have owned it for five years and will likely continue to own the same one for some time,” he said.

“I, in fact, have nothing against motorsports clubs and saw this as a good opportunity to talk about amongst other issues, that of road safety and the sport in South Africa.

“The gathering took place outside of the City of Cape Town’s municipal boundaries and jurisdiction. The vehicle that I was traveling in did have both front and back number plates. As did other vehicles on the run.”

It has since come to light that a member joined the run after the start. This specific member did not have any number plates, but Smith has taken it up with the club’s president, who, in turn, warned “club members that they would not be permitted to join any events if they were not in full compliance with all legislation.”

Enforcing the by-laws

Smith and law enforcement have been on a spree to rid Cape Town’s roads of illegal cars, with many of the car community feeling that they’re being targeted. But, says Smith, law enforcement is acting within the rules of the South Africa’s law, and they will continue acting to keep Cape Town safe.

“I informed our Traffic Services of the (Porsche) incident and requested that they adequately enforce any event held by the Porsche or any other club, within the City of Cape Town’s municipal boundaries, to ensure compliance with the National Road Traffic Act and the City’s Traffic By-law,” Smith continued.

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“The rules and regulations regarding the specifications of a vehicle for it to be deemed roadworthy, including that for the requirement of number plates, are all part of national legislation.

“It is national law that declares that a vehicle of which the suspension is, for example, modified, is no longer roadworthy.”

Local traffic services has since begun impounding vehicles deemed illegal, including, ironically enough, a Porsche without a number plate.

“The law applies to everyone the same,” Smith concluded.