Transport Minister condemns threats to the safety of personnel at SANRAL/ETC Operations Centre
The Minister of Transport Ms Dipuo Peters condemns in the strongest possible terms attempts to destabilise the operations of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), following threats directed at the personnel at the Central Operations Centre (COC) in Samrand.
Subsequent to threats issued to the personnel employed by the Electronic Tolling Company last week, this afternoon the Department of Transport received reports indicating another scare aimed at workers at the COC.
Minister Peters calls on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly in their investigation aimed at identifying those responsible for these threats to the safety of the personnel employed and earning an honest living at the COC.
“There are elements in society hellbent on undermining the peace and security of their fellow citizens. These backward and uncivilised individuals have elected to ignore all platforms made available to them by our Constitution to raise whatever concerns they may have," says Minister Peters.
The Minister says government, consistent with its commitment to uphold democratic practices, has never threatened or intimidated any individual or organised formations who have previously demonstrated to share their views on the system of tolling.
"This is an attack not only on SANRAL, but on our Constitution which guarantees peace and security for all citizens of our Republic. All peace-loving citizens must condemn these regressive tendencies. We call on law enforcement authorities to do all within their powers to bring the perpetrators of these acts to book," says Minister Peters.
The Minister says what the perpetrators of such crimes do not realise is that their illicit acts are diverting the attention of law enforcement authorities and emergency medical personnel from their core mandate of ensuring peace and stability; and the health of citizens in the country.
"Someone's life could be in real danger at the time such hoaxes are made. Instead of attending to those whose lives are genuinely in danger, officers are preoccupied with attending to these false alarms," concludes Minister Peters.
The Minister has been assured by Sanral that affected personnel are receiving the necessary attention and help in dealing with the traumatic experiences of the past week and today.
Enquiries:
Tiyani Ponto-Rikhotso
Cell: 083 570 1275
