Sixty two drivers were arrested for drunken driving around Mafikeng and on roads leading to the 60s bash held near Rooigrond over the past weekend. During the zero tolerance operation conducted by North West Public Safety traffic and police, an off-duty metro police officer from Mogale City Traffic department, a paramedic, couple of off-duty policemen, a male nurse and a paramedic were among those arrested for drunken driving.
An acting Director with the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport was in addition to drunken driving also arrested for resisting arrest and for assaulting two traffic officers. He is alleged to have broken spectacles belonging to one of the arresting officers. Though he caused a scene, minimum force was used to restrain and handcuff him.
Six thousand seven hundred and fifty three vehicles were stopped and searched at 12 roving roadblocks and 199 tickets were issued to other motorists for driving without licenses (94), unlicensed motor vehicles (48), worn out tyres (34), going through red robot (19), failing to stop at a stop sing (27) and using a cellphone while driving (14).Six vehicles were also discontinued for being unroadworthy.
In appreciating the successful execution of the operation, North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa emphasised that speed law enforcement and drunken driving operation will be intensified as part of the Arrive Alive Festive Campaign.
"We commend stakeholders who were part of the special operation to reduce accidents and save lives on our roads including doctors who assisted the law enforcement team to extract the blood samples within the prescribed time after the arrest of the suspects." says Yawa.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 018 381 9171
Fax: 018 381 9123
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
