A viral video showing a motorist throwing rubbish from a vehicle at a busy Cape Town CBD intersection has led to a R500 fine after the driver was identified and voluntarily came forward.

The clip, which circulated widely on social media platforms, shows the driver discarding litter from the car while stopped at an intersection. A tour guide travelling behind in a bus is seen picking up the rubbish and returning it to the vehicle. Moments later, the driver throws the litter out again and makes offensive gestures toward the bus occupants.

Following the video’s spread online, City law enforcement officials appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the motorist. The appeal gained traction as the footage continued to attract criticism from viewers concerned about littering and public behaviour.

According to the City of Cape Town, the driver later came forward voluntarily and paid a R500 admission of guilt fine in terms of the city’s integrated waste management by-law.

City officials welcomed the cooperation and said the incident highlighted the role of public accountability and community reporting in enforcing municipal regulations. Authorities stressed that littering, even when perceived as minor, remains an offence that carries penalties.

The City reiterated that keeping public spaces clean is a shared responsibility, applying equally to residents and visitors. Officials encouraged the public to continue reporting by-law infringements to help protect the city’s environment and uphold civic standards.

Littering and illegal dumping remain ongoing challenges in urban areas, with authorities warning that enforcement efforts will continue and that offenders can expect fines or further action where necessary.