A man filmed drifting a luxury sports car on dusty roads and speeding across river crossings inside Kruger National Park has been identified, with SANParks now preparing formal charges over the reckless stunt that sparked outrage online.
The viral footage, which surfaced on social media this week, allegedly shows the driver spinning the red Mercedes-Benz convertible on gravel roads, kicking up massive dust clouds before later racing across river bridges and driving through restricted areas inside the protected reserve.
The incident has triggered fury among conservation authorities, who described the conduct as dangerous, unlawful and disrespectful to one of Africa’s most important wildlife sanctuaries.
On Thursday, SANParks head of communications and spokesperson JP Louw confirmed that authorities had now traced the driver and others linked to the incident.
“The driver has been identified, including all other parties who participated in this reckless incident,” said Louw.
“SANParks is in the process of formulating charges against him.”
Louw said SANParks was currently assessing the different violations allegedly committed during the stunt to determine the sanctions that may follow.
“We are at the stage of listing the different offences committed, which will inform the desired sanction,” he said.
Reckless and unlawful conduct
The organisation had earlier condemned the footage, saying it showed “dangerous, reckless, and unlawful conduct” inside a protected conservation area governed by strict environmental laws.
“The footage shows the individual crossing rivers unlawfully, driving on roads that were officially closed, and operating a motor vehicle recklessly within a national park environment,” Louw previously said.
SANParks warned that such behaviour demonstrates “a blatant disregard for conservation regulations, public safety, environmental protection measures, and the authority of park management”.
Authorities said offences committed inside protected areas could lead to criminal prosecution, hefty fines, imprisonment, civil liability for environmental damage, and bans from entering parks managed by SANParks.
The incident has also landed SANParks employees in trouble. Gate officials allegedly seen in the video encouraging or supporting the behaviour are expected to face consequences for conduct contrary to park rules and staff ethics.
Authorities often enforce road closures inside the Kruger National Park because of flooding, dangerous conditions, wildlife movement, or environmental sensitivity.
Conservation authorities warned that reckless driving, drifting and illegal off-road activity threaten wildlife, damage fragile ecosystems and place visitors at risk inside the nearly two-million-hectare reserve.
- A man was identified for reckless drifting and speeding in a red Mercedes-Benz convertible inside Kruger National Park, prompting SANParks to prepare formal charges.
- The viral footage showed the driver spinning on gravel roads, creating dust clouds, crossing river bridges illegally, and driving in restricted areas.
- SANParks condemned the behavior as dangerous, unlawful, and disrespectful to the protected reserve, emphasizing its violation of conservation and safety laws.
- Authorities are currently assessing multiple violations to determine appropriate sanctions, with potential criminal prosecution, fines, imprisonment, and park bans for offenders.
- Park employees caught supporting the reckless conduct may face disciplinary action, as such behavior threatens wildlife, ecosystems, and visitor safety.
A man filmed drifting a luxury sports car on dusty roads and speeding across river crossings inside Kruger National Park has been identified, with SANParks now preparing formal charges over the reckless stunt that sparked outrage online.
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“SANParks is in the process of formulating charges against him.”
Louw said SANParks was currently assessing the different violations allegedly committed during the stunt to determine the sanctions that may follow.
“We are at the stage of listing the different offences committed, which will inform the desired sanction,” he said.
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SANParks warned that such behaviour demonstrates “a blatant disregard for conservation regulations, public safety, environmental protection measures, and the authority of park management”.
Conservation authorities warned that reckless driving, drifting and illegal off-road activity threaten wildlife, damage fragile ecosystems and place visitors at risk inside the nearly two-million-hectare reserve.
