North West MEC for Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison, Desbo Mohono on Monday announced that police and traffic authorities in the province will step up zero tolerance traffic law enforcement and crime prevention operations ahead of the annual 60’s music bash. The bash is to be held at the Monare farm situated on the R503 Mahikeng-Lichtenburg road over the coming weekend.
The special operation to stamp authority againstdrunken driving, speeding, reckless driving, drag racing, unroadworthy vehicles, criminality and lawlessness on all major roads leading to, around and from Mahikengisin anticipation increased traffic volumes as revellers make their way to the annual music bash.
Traffic officers will be deployed to conduct point duty at critical intersections and targeted placesto ensure that there is a free flow of traffic as it has been observed that parallel events to the sixties are held around Mahikeng CBD, Mmabatho and nearby villages and results in up and down driving between the places.
MEC Mohono appeals to parents not to let their unlicensed children access to their vehicles and advises motorists who intend attending the music bash to arrange dedicated drivers who will abstain from drinking and driving. This will reduce road accidents and fatalities caused by fatigue as motorists drive back home after partying at the 60’s music bash.
Mohono appeals to motorists to share the road responsibly throughout the coming weekend and to desist from putting their own lives and those of other road users at risk through speeding, aggression, driving whilst tiredand other irresponsible behavior.
“Drivers should be courteous towards each other. All offences, behavior and attitude that will be detrimental to the event and safety of other road users will be met with the full mightof the law, ” vows Mohono.
Last year, four youth lost their lives in a road accident on the R503 Mahikeng-Lichtenburg road during the annual bash. Close to 6 800 vehicles were stopped and searched at 12 roving roadblocks set upon all roads around Mahikeng and all incoming major road. Sixty-two motorists were arrested for drunken driving during the operation.
One hundred and ninety nine tickets were issued to other motorists for various traffic violations that included driving without licenses, unlicensed motor vehicles, worn out tyres , going through red robot , failing to stop at a stop sign and using a cellphone while driving. Six vehicles were also discontinued for being unroadworthy during the operation.
This year’s joint operation which is led by the Provincial Road Traffic Management, is supported by the South African Police Service, the Provincial Department of Health, traffic from Ditsobotla, Mamusa, Naledi, Ramotshere Moiloa and Mahikeng Local Municipalities. The operation ispart of Arrive Alive Festive Campaign, SAPS’ When Duty Calls, Festive Season Operation and supports Operation Futha and the National Rolling Enforcement Plan.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 9123
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
