MBOMBELA – A stern warning was directed to both traffic officials and motorists with regard to taking bribes.
This was during a Roll Call meeting hosted by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison in collaboration with the Department of Transport on Thursday November 20 at Mbombela Stadium. The initiative intended to mobilise all traffic law enforcement in the province from all spheres of government to work collaboratively during the Festive Season in order to reduce road crashes.
READ | City Of Mbombela sets wheels in motion to ensure road safety
It was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa as well as other stakeholders. Hlengwa said corruption should not be isolated, stating that when one takes a bribe, lives are risked. “It must begin with professional integrity so that we can reverse the reputational damage and stigma that continues to haunt us because of some officials. “I firmly believe that South Africa has got the benefit of many leaders in traffic reinforcement who are ethical and morally upright and wake up every day to do the right thing,” he said.
READ MORE | Speedster arrested on the N4 Schoemankloof Road
Hlongwane continued to say elements of corruption should be rooted out and emphasised on the traffic officers’ responsibilities.
“You are also protectors. Your visibility, integrity, discipline and confidence on the road determines whether a child gets home safely, whether a family makes it to Christmas together and whether commuters trust the state’s presence on the road.
“You can only build public trust through your own public discipline. You carry the constitutional mandate to enforce the law without fear, faith or prejudice.
“Every offender, whether reckless, drunk, unlicensed or speaking or politically connected, must face the consequences.
When we are consistent in principle, we will save lives. When we allow exceptions, and bend the rules, corruption takes root with deadly consequences. Corruption is not only a criminal offence, but a betrayal of the public trust and a direct attack on road safety,” Hlengwa said.
Community Safety MEC, Jackie Macie also called on officials and the public to avoid participating in any form of corrupt activities to maintain safer roads. “I have directed the Provincial Commissioner to deploy anti-corruption agents and instruct them to show no mercy and to make arrests. We will not compromise when it comes to protecting lives,” said the MEC.
Both the minister and MEC later joined a roadblock on the N4 Toll Road.
