The North West Department of Public Safety’s launch of women in law enforcement special operations on Wednesday reminded motorists that drove along the Klerksdorp-Wolmaranstad around midday that August is women’s month. The joint team of provincial traffic and South African Police Service women sprang into action immediately after the launch, issuing thirteen summonses to thirty five of the motorists who were stopped at a roadblock within an hour of their deployment on the quiet road. The operations targeted for all four districts across the province commence in earnest on Monday, 3 August 2009 due to participation of most women law enforcement officers in the Telkom Charity Cup.
North West MEC for Public Safety Howard Yawa in a speech delivered on his behalf by Head of the Department Obakeng Mongale at the roadside 10 kilometres outside Wolmaranstad encouraged the women law enforcement officers to carry the special operations with passion, charm but assertiveness. “We believe that your efforts will encourage women in our communities to take a stand in the war against crime and also contribute towards reduction of road accidents,” MEC Yawa said.
“We have confidence in the collective strength of our women to successfully carry out the women operations with the passion and sent a message to criminals, speedsters, reckless drivers and drivers of unroadworthy vehicles that their time is up. The people of our province deserve peaceful, safe roads and neighbourhoods in order to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution,” he added.
Last year’s 11 days August women in law enforcement special operations stopped over 13 000 vehicles throughout the province during which, 671 summonses were issued, 31 unroadworthy vehicles were discontinued, two stolen engines recovered and two unlicensed firearms seized.
Critical offences were mainly worn out tyres, unlicensed and unregistered motor vehicles, driving without being in possession of driving licenses, driving motor vehicles with no number plates and driving public transport without public driving permit.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 9164
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
30 July 2009
