As part of implementing the Festive Season Road Safety Campain that was launched by Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, law enforcement officers have so far stopped and checked over 83 000 vehicles in various operations across the province since December 1.
Over 36 000 vehicles also went through various weighbridges. About 36 motorists were arrested for various offences committed, and this included the arrest of 27 suspects for drinking and driving. Seven more motorists were nabbed for excessive speeding. The alleged transgressors are expected to appear in various courts soon.
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The officers also discontinued about 244 vehicles due to defects. Once the owners have rectified defects, they will be expected to retest their vehicles. Upon being certified as roadworthy, such vehicles will be put back on the road.
The officers went on to impound about 465 vehicles. The impounded vehicles include overloaded trucks and light delivery vehicles (LDVs). Once the owners and drivers of impounded vehicles correct their loads, they will be allowed to continue with their journeys.
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Over 12 000 motorists were also issued with summonses for various transgressions, which include disregarding the rules and defects on their vehicles.
MEC Vusi Shongwe lauds traffic officers for the hard work that they have put so far to ensure law and order. He says that although some deadly crashes occurred, they should not despair but instead continue working harder.
“Our law enforcement should continue working harder. They must reign in on any lawlessness and disregard for road rules. We are also confident that our plans will bear fruits. We are content with the collaboration we have with other role players this holiday season. Our motorists and other road users must obey the rules. We must all play our part,” Shongwe says.
