KwaZulu–Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu has come out in full support of the arrest of the KwaZulu–Natal Provincial Secretary of Congress of the People (COPE) Mr Phillip Mhlongo.
Mr Mhlongo was caught drunk driving yesterday, 5 December 2009, in the vicinity of eZimbokodweni near Isipingo by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI). He was then arrested and tested for alcohol; the test came out positive with the reading of 0,52 grams which is three times over the legal limit. He was detained at the Amanzimtoti police station and will appear in court tomorrow to receive his prize.
"I welcome the arrest of Mr Phillip Mhlongo with both hands; this is a shameful act by a senior political leader and it will not be accepted. The arrest of Mhlongo serves as an example that all political leaders found breaking the law will certainly be apprehended. The law won't be compromised at any given cost to accommodate certain individuals. If you are caught breaking the law you will face the music," said Mchunu.
Meanwhile the Pietermaritzburg RTI has processed 175 cases of drunk driving for the month of November alone at the newly launched Alcohol Evidential Centre and within the first week in December 55 people have been caught drunk driving.
Mchunu has criticised the high number of drunk drivers within Pietermaritzburg saying it is a call for alarm that some drivers blatant disregard all awareness and efforts by the department to curb road accidents caused by drunk and driving.
He sent a stern warning to everyone residing in KZN and everyone visiting during this festive season that all officers will be out in full force for hard headed individuals who do not want to keep to the rules of the law saying they will be dealt with severely. "KwaZulu-Natal Alufakwa Lubuya Nesaphulamthetho".
Media contact:
Lungile Ndlovu
Cell: 082 889 6629
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
6 December 2009
Source: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za)
