Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison MEC Nono Maloyi convened an urgent meeting with the provincial traffic managers and the high powered delegation from the South African Police Service, to strategise on new tactics that must be employed to curb the high number of fatalities on provincial roads in Potchefstroom this afternoon. MEC Maloyi who was visibly unhappy called on traffic officers to intensify their operations and make sure that not another life is lost on the provincial roads.
Reading the riot act to traffic and SAPS managers, MEC Maloyi ordered officers to be harsh on offenders. He said that those found under the influence of alcohol while driving must go straight to jail, those driving cars with worn out tires cars must be discontinued, those driving without a driver’s license must also be penalised, and unroadworthy vehicles must be impounded.
The concern was raised by the high number of deaths on provincial roads, since the beginning of the festive period. Currently preliminary reports released indicate that about 57 people have already died on our provincial roads, as at December 25, which is high as compared to the previous year in the same period. “The new strategies employed should make sure that not one more life is lost on our roads that include local and municipal roads. If it says we should patrol local roads than let us do so, because the number is also perpetuated by the pedestrians who continue to die, because they were drink and work on our roads, said MEC Maloyi.
According to MEC Maloyi as from Thursday, there will be a 24 hour joined operations with the South African Police Service and traffic officers, 24 hour patrol with blue lights on, police and traffic officers will work jointly, more resources will be availed to allow officers to enforce the law with ease, and that there should be more visibility.
Enquiries:
Simon Lesolang Mmope
Cell: 082 574 7621 / 078 878 8897
E-mail: smmope@nwpg.gov.za / slmmope@gmail.com
