MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu is pleased with the arrest of 142 motorists who were caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Mchunu commended the good work by traffic officers and the integrated planning by law enforcement agencies to crack down on traffic offenders.
The joint operations are combined efforts of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), South African Police Service (SAPS), SARS and various municipal enforcement officials.
The 142 people were arrested during various operations conducted in many parts of the province. The major contributors to this high number of offenders are Durban, Empangeni and Jozini. 54 offenders were arrested in Durban in a major operation on the M25 near KwaMashu.
Mchunu believes this is just a start and lots more are yet to be arrested as traffic official intensifies their work.
“It is quite alarming to see that such huge numbers of people were arrested during this weekend alone. I condemn those who disregard the rule of law by drinking and driving.
The writing is on the wall to all transgressors on the road, you break the law, and you will be caught. I would like to applaud the police for arresting these 142 people. This is an indication that the Road Safety Summit we had a year ago was not a waste of time as some of these achievements are part of the implementation of its resolutions.
We must all work together to reduce the scourge of road carnages this festive season. Our traffic police are hard at work and we vow that all offenders be dealt with harshly. We will continue to intensify our road safety campaigns and education through Operation Valingozi,” said Mchunu.
Enquiries:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5155
