Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele welcomes the bail conditions imposed in the trial of the driver accused of killing five joggers while allegedly driving drunk on 23 October in Midrand, Gauteng.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Sibusiso Langa (43) appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court earlier today (28 October), and was granted R80,000 bail. One of the conditions of Langa's bail set by Magistrate Maryke de la Rey was that he was not allowed to drive while out on bail. He faces five charges of murder, one of attempted murder and one of drunken driving.
"We welcome the bail conditions imposed in the trial of the driver accused of killing five joggers while allegedly drunk, particularly that he is not allowed to drive while out on bail. Each and every one of us has a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries on the road. During this Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 to 2020, let us all work together to make sure our roads are safe," said Minister Ndebele.
Meanwhile, more than 2 300 public transport drivers have been arrested across South Africa over the past two months, following Minister Ndebele's instruction that every bus and taxi must be stopped and checked.
From 31 August to 23 October 2011, 522 837 public transport vehicles were stopped and checked; 1 928 mini-buses, 840 buses and 1 133 trucks discontinued from use for being in an un-roadworthy condition; 81 503 fines issued for various public transport offences; more than 2 392 public transport drivers arrested including 344 for drunk driving, 1 806 for overloading, 88 for excessive speed, 26 for reckless and/or negligent driving and 154 in connection with public transport permits.
In a special operation yesterday (27 October), as part of October Transport Month, more than 80 buses were discontinued by the RTMC's National Traffic Police (NTP) in Polokwane, Limpopo for defects including oil leaks, seats not securely fastened, loose electrical wiring and cracked windscreens. On Monday (24 October), 20 buses were suspended in Witbank.
As part of the new National Rolling Enforcement Plan (NREP) announced by Minister Ndebele on 10 September 2010, from October 2010 to September 2011, 14 017 190 vehicles and drivers were checked, 5 978 981 fines issued for various traffic offences, 19 780 drunk drivers arrested and 53 341 un-roadworthy vehicles (the majority of which are buses and taxis) discontinued from use.
Report bad driving to 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Ashref Ismail
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
Cell: 071 680 3448
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Minister Ndebele welcomes bail conditions for driver who mowed down joggers in Midrand
