KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Willies Mchunu, has applauded excellent work by the Department of Transport's Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers who arrested a drunk bus driver transporting maidens from the Annual Reed Dance, in Nyokeni, KwaNongoma.
The bus driver was caught as traffic police were conducting an operation, which was ordered by MEC Mchunu as part of intensifying enforcement to vehicles transporting maidens. RTI confirmed that a bus driver was over the legal alcohol limit when caught and has no professional driving permit.
The driver in question was taken to Benedicting hospital for a further blood test. The bus was then driven back to Nyokeni by a traffic officer. Commenting after receiving this news, MEC Mchunu said the arrest of this driver is a clear indication that government is serious about ensuring maximum compliance in all vehicles transporting maidens.
“The arrest of this bus driver will send a clear message that as government we are serious about rooting out all elements that put the lives of maidens and other road users at risk during the Annual Reed Dance. All those who are undermining the traffic rules will not be tolerated on our roads. Since Thursday, I have ordered intense operations in all roads leading to the Nyokeni Royal Palace,” said Mchunu.
More than 94 buses were stopped yesterday as part of the operations and those with defaults were suspended from the road.
“The spirit which was displayed by our traffic officers is setting the right tone for our renewed approach to traffic offenders. We will monitor this specific case to ensure that the driver gets meted out with the deserved and harsh sanction,” said Mchunu.
Media contacts:
Nathi Sukazi
Cell: 081 018 0518 or 082 565 0205
E-mail: Nathi.Sukazi@kzntransport.gov.za
Twitter: @KZNTransport
