KZN Civil Engineer
A 43-year-old civil engineer from Reservoir Hills has landed himself a criminal record after being caught driving at a staggering 217 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal. Shekendra Bhagwandin, who felt “invisible” in his BMW M3 without a front number plate, was arrested by alert Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers on 28 September 2025. This incident highlights the province’s strict stance on speeding, with officials praising the bust as part of their zero-tolerance campaign against reckless driving. Bhagwandin’s case, which ended in a R35,000 fine and a suspended prison sentence, serves as a stark warning to motorists, especially amid rising road fatalities in the region.
Details of the High-Speed Chase and Arrest
The drama unfolded when RTI Officers T. Simpson and R. Brijlall spotted Bhagwandin’s vehicle zooming past at 217 km/h near Scottburgh. The BMW lacked a front number plate, a clear sign of an attempt to dodge speed cameras, according to KZN transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya. “He felt invisible in his BMW M3, which did not have a front number plate affixed. This was a clear sign of an attempt to evade detection by fixed-speed cameras,” Sibiya said.
Bhagwandin was detained at Scottburgh SAPS and released on R2,000 bail. The arrest is part of the RTI’s “Alufakwa” (zero-tolerance) drive, aimed at curbing dangerous behaviour on KZN roads. Sibiya commended the officers: “We pay tribute to RTI Officers T. Simpson and R. Brijlall for their ability to sustain a no-nonsense, zero-tolerance, and Alufakwa campaign.”
This bust follows a pattern of high-speed arrests in the province, with recent operations nabbing dozens for drunk driving and other violations. In one roadblock alone, 13 motorists were arrested for intoxication, showing the RTI’s ramped-up efforts to make roads safer.
Court Outcome: Fine and Suspended Sentence
Bhagwandin appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 30 October 2025, where he pleaded guilty to exceeding the speed limit. He was fined R35,000 and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, with half suspended for five years on condition he commits no similar offence. The court took a dim view of his actions, which endangered other road users.
Sibiya noted that recent successful prosecutions, including that of a lawyer for similar reckless driving, reflect an integrated approach involving RTI, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Justice Department. “RTI will continue to be firm, as we don’t want reckless drivers to turn KZN road networks into killing fields,” he warned.
Legal experts say such penalties align with the National Road Traffic Act, which imposes heavy fines and possible jail time for speeds far above limits. Bhagwandin’s case could set a precedent for stricter enforcement, especially for professionals who should know better.
Broader Road Safety Concerns in KZN
KZN has seen a spike in road accidents, with speeding a top cause. In recent months, operations like the one in Empangeni led to 31 arrests for drunk driving, underscoring the province’s battle against reckless behaviour. The RTI’s efforts have been praised, but critics call for more infrastructure fixes, like better lighting and speed cameras, to prevent such incidents.
Reservoir Hills, Bhagwandin’s home area, has its own traffic woes, with residents often complaining about speeding on local roads. This arrest hits close to home, reminding drivers that no one is above the law.
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