Barely a day after Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele instructed law enforcement agencies to step up traffic enforcement, the driver of a mini-bus taxi, who crammed 49 school children into his taxi and was five times over the legal alcohol limit, has been arrested.
Traffic officers from the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate arrested the driver of the mini-bus taxi, who was transporting learners from Mooi River to Estcourt, early this morning, 3 February 2009. The driver is currently detained at the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mooi River and is expected to appear in court tomorrow, 4 February 2010.
This morning’s arrest follows another yesterday, 2 February 2010, when twenty children were reported injured after the driver of a mini-bus taxi, who was also allegedly drunk, lost control of the vehicle and overturned in Kempton Park in Johannesburg.
Minister Ndebele has warned public transport operators that dedicated law enforcement operations, targeting specifically public transport vehicles, will be intensified.
"Law enforcement officers will be intensifying operations on public transport, particularly buses, taxis and scholar transport vehicles. Public transport operators and drivers have a responsibility to protect the lives of commuters and should not be only interested in making money. We will do everything possible to ensure that those who disregard road rules face the full might of the law. However, we also want to make a special appeal to parents to take responsibility for their children by checking on the transport their children use to school, and to ensure proper licensing and fitness of both the driver and vehicle,” said the Minister.
During the past two months, December and January, law enforcement officers conducted more than 1 500 roadblocks throughout the country and stopped and checked more than 1, 2 million vehicles and drivers. More than 6 000 vehicles, including 1 536 buses and 1 669 taxis were impounded, suspended and/or discontinued.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
3 February 2010
