Reckless Driver Becomes Suspect in Weapons Possession and Fake Licence Plate Case

A driver named Hafiz Mahendra, operating a Toyota Calya vehicle recklessly and driving against traffic on Gunung Sahari Street in Central Jakarta, has entered a new phase of investigation.

Hafiz has now been designated as a suspect for possessing sharp weapons and forging vehicle registration plates.

Following the incident, police searched Hafiz’s vehicle and discovered a toy firearm as well as sharp weapons including a machete and dagger. Additionally, four fake licence plates were found in the vehicle.

“The driver has been designated as a suspect for possession of sharp weapons, including fraudulent vehicle registration plate data and falsification of documents,” said Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Director Kombes Budi Hermanto to journalists on Friday (27 February).

Budi stated that Hafiz is currently being held at Central Jakarta Metro Police Station. He noted that investigators are still examining Hafiz’s motive for carrying sharp weapons in his vehicle.

“Whether these sharp weapons were intended for other illegal activities is still being investigated,” he said.

For possession of sharp weapons and forging licence plates, Hafiz faces charges under Article 307 paragraph 1 and or Article 391 paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code with a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment.

Previously, Hafiz had been designated as a suspect for reckless driving that endangered other road users. He was charged under Articles 311 paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation with a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment and a fine of 8 million rupiah.

Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Reynold Hutagalung stated that Hafiz engaged in reckless driving and drove against traffic after being found using fake licence plates. He said the driver immediately fled when stopped by officers.

“He was suspected of using fake licence plates on Gunung Sahari Street and was stopped by officers including Aiptu Basri and Aipda Jimber,” said Reynold on Wednesday (25 February).

“Fearing apprehension, he fled onto Gunung Sahari Street and drove against traffic from the southern to northern direction,” he added.