North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison Nono Maloyi has expressed disappointment in the manner the Ottosdal Magistrate court has dealt with the case of overloading, where a Toyota Quantum male driver was arrested and charged for overloading.
A 32-year-old Kgomotso Sentle was fined R500 for overloading, driving an unroadworthy vehicle and further failed to produce a driver’s license, by the Ottosdal Magistrate Court last week Thursday. The court’s decision to slap Sentle with a light charge, seriously disappointed MEC Maloyi, who has since decided to follow up the matter with the Justice Department to establish reasons for a lighter fine, when innocent lives were threatened.
According to the North West Traffic Authorities, the driver was supposed to appear at the Delareville Magistrate court last week Friday 25, but the case was apparently referred to the Ottosdal Magistrate court and the suspect appeared on Thursday 24, which was done without the knowledge of traffic authorities who were supposed to testify during the appearance.
Sentle was arrested by the North West Traffic Authorities on Wednesday 23, afternoon in Delareyville for loading 33 learners in a vehicle that is certified to carry nine passengers.
Authorities have since impounded and discontinued the said vehicle. “Offenders of this nature must be penalised in a manner which will send a clear message to other road offenders out there. Our working relations with the SAPS and the NPA must serve a purpose of changing our driver’s attitude on the road,” said Maloyi.
MEC pleaded to motorists to adhere to road rules at all times. He further sends a strong warning to those road offenders, especially to drivers transporting school children to and from school on daily basis.
Maloyi said overloading is one of the contributory factors that cause high number of fatalities on our roads and the department will continue dealing harshly with those offenders.
Enquiries:
Simon Lesolang Mmope
Tel: 018 391 0423
Cell: 082 574 7621
Fax: 018 391 0328
Email: smmope@nwpg.gov.za
