Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has commended law enforcement officers from the department following the arrest of a speedster who was travelling 166 km per hour at a 120 km zone on the N4 road near Van Dyk’s Drift in Middelburg last week. The suspect appeared in Middelburg Magistrate Court on 21 August 2014 and was released on a R1 500, 00 bail.
Shongwe has also welcomed the arrest of five suspects in connection with driving under the influence saying that such offenders if found guilty should receive maximum permissible sentences in order to save lives on the road.
Meanwhile more than 4 554 fines were issued for various traffic offences last week during various operations that took place across the province. These operations are expected to assist with visibility of law enforcement teams on the road in order to enhance road safety and ensure general compliance with traffic regulations.
During the operations, 49 193 vehicles were stopped and tested, 263 vehicles were also impounded while 200 were discontinued as they were not roadworthy. From these figures there were 23 mini buses and 118 light motor vehicles that were discontinued.
MEC Vusi Shongwe lauded the officials and the police for the role that they continue to play in ensuring that crime is prevented and the roads are safer. He has further called on community members to assist the government to combat bad driving by reporting any misbehavior on the roads to traffic authorities so that appropriate steps are taken.
“Whilst we acknowledge our law enforcement agencies for their continued efforts to deal with lawlessness on our roads we also need to work hard to enhance safety on our roads. Road users are warned to obey traffic regulations to ensure that there is a reduction of crashes in the province,” concluded Shongwe.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
Tel: 013 766 4055
E-mail: emabuza@mpg.gov.za
