The 'Ghost Squad' has been roaming the streets of Cape Town for about three months now.

The highly-trained officers of the special unit — which currently stands at 22 members after starting at 12 — make use of unmarked, high-performance cars and motorcycles, keeping an eye on unsuspecting motorists. And if you put a foot wrong, on go the (previously hidden) flashing blue lights and you get pulled over.

So, has the covert crew been more of a help or a hindrance to motorists in the Cape?

There appears to be mixed opinion among road-users. Many insist they will not pull over for an unmarked car in fear of the occupants not actually being policemen. In a way, this view can be understood as reports of 'fake cop' hijackings are an almost daily occurrence.

But when such a scenario was painted for Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, media liaison for City Traffic Services, she insisted motorists should not be making excuses.

"Although unmarked and of various colours, 'Ghost Squad' vehicles are fitted with blue lights, a siren and a public address system. The officer is also in full uniform and will identify him/herself accordingly.

"If indeed there is a legitimate fear, the motorist may proceed to the nearest police station; however, motorists should not use this as an excuse as our officers are fully identifiable. To date, we have not had a case like."

There are also critics who feel policing should be visible and that nothing good can come of cloak-and-dagger tactics. While the first point makes sense, the fact remains that thousands more officers would be required to establish high visibility. With this (and tight budgets) in mind, creating an undercover squad was the only feasible option to tackle the problem.

Then there are those who have had enough of the countless dangers posed by inconsiderate and just plain illegal drivers and welcome the introduction of the undercover squad.

Whichever stance you take, you cannot deny the statistics put forward by Lourens.

"Since mid-August to date, the 'Ghost Squad' has issued a total of 360 traffic fines to taxis alone. This includes cases such as overloads, unlicensed drivers, disregarding of red traffic lights, defective brakes, steering, hooters as well as moving violations, such as unsafe lane changing and illegal overtaking".

So, critics will be happy to know that the 'Ghost Squad' is not simply going after 'soft targets'...

Among street racers, the sight of a white Golf V GTi in the rear-view mirror has become a convincing sign to slow down. Indeed, the word 'entrapment' has even been thrown around after reports of covert officers enticing drivers of other performance vehicles into impromptu 'street drags'.

When asked whether such tactics are used by the unit, Lourens was adamant in her reply.

"Absolutely not. This is completely unfounded. Our purpose is to rid the streets of dragsters, not join them!"

On page 2, Lourens reveals more about the Ghost Squad's approach to street racing and modifications to vehicles...
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