Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed condolences to the families of at least eight (8) people killed earlier today, 7 December 2010 in a road crash involving a mini-bus taxi on the N4 near Olifantsriver in Mpumalanga.
“We want to convey condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in a horrific road crash at Olifantsriver in Mpumalanga today, 7 December 2010. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has dispatched a team of accident investigation and reconstruction specialists to assist in determining the cause of this crash,” said Minister Ndebele.
From 1 to 7 December 2010, more than 250 000 vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked and thousands of fines issued for various traffic offences. During the past weekend alone (3 to 5 December 2010), more than 200 drunk drivers were arrested including 20 in the Western Cape, 93 in Gauteng, 30 in Limpopo, 44 in KwaZulu-Natal and 20 in the Eastern Cape. Other arrests included possession of dagga, overloaded taxis and buses, taxis and buses without the necessary permits as well as excessive speed. In the Free State, 219 vehicles were discontinued from use for being un-roadworthy.
On 29 November 2010, six people appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate's Court in KwaZulu-Natal for speeding and were sentenced to fines ranging from R4 000 to R20 000.
Over the past two months (October and November 2010), more than two million vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked and over half a million fines issued for various traffic offences. During October, more than 2 256 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving. Since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, an average of 2 000 motorists have been arrested every month for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
These traffic law enforcement operations form part of South Africa’s “Make Roads Safe” Campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) announced by Minister Ndebele on 10 September 2010. As part of the new NREP, as from 1 October 2010 no less than one million vehicles and drivers will be stopped and checked every month. This is also intended as a pre-festive season traffic enforcement sweep. This year's festive season road safety campaign, announced by Minister Ndebele on 18 November 2010, focuses on driver and vehicle fitness as well as moving violations.
“The ‘Make Roads Safe’ Campaign and new National Rolling Enforcement Plan is only the start of a major law enforcement drive in South Africa and reflects government’s commitment to reducing road carnage by half in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As we head towards Christmas, traffic enforcement will be intensified and absolutely no mercy will be shown to road users who break the rules.
“As per the national Road Traffic Act, in addition to a fine and/or imprisonment, persons found guilty of drinking and driving and reckless and negligent driving will have their driving licences automatically suspended in the case of a first offence, for a period of at least six months; a second offence, for a period of at least five years; or a third or subsequent offence, for a period of at least ten years. As of 20 November 2010, automatic suspension of driving licence also applies to any driver who exceeds the prescribed speed, by more than 30km/h in an urban area and more than 40km/h outside an urban area,” Minister Ndebele said.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
