The Road Traffic Management Corporation has demanded that soccer star, Happy Jele, have his licence suspended.
"The National Road Traffic Act is specific that a driver's licence should be suspended in the case of a conviction for an offence where: a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour over the prescribed general speed (i) limit in an urban area was recorded; or a speed in excess of 40 kilometres per hour over the prescribed general speed limit outside an urban area or on a (ii) freeway was recorded," RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane said.
The Orlando Pirates player was caught driving at 223 kilometres per hour on the M1 highway near Sandton.
Jele, who appeared at the Randburg Magistrate court yesterday, was released on a thousand rand bail and must return to court on October 19.
Zwane, said they have noted Jele's apology however it is not enough for the kind of crime he committed
"Unfortunately an apology will not be enough. Jele will have to face the consequences of his actions including having a criminal record against his name if found guilty by a competent court of law," he said.
Zwane said they want a harsher sentence including the suspension of his driver's licence for a lengthy period.
He said this will also serve as a reminder to other soccer players to drive safely and to obey rules of the road.
"Speeding is a major cause of road accidents in South Africa and many young people die prematurely and unnecessarily as a result," Zwane said.
"The youth are particularly vulnerable when it comes to road safety, urgent and decisive action is needed to combat the scourge of road fatalities preceded by a road traffic infringement. The allege high speed done by Jele does not help in encouraging safe driving attitude amongst young people," he councluded.
