The zero tolerance towards drunken driving was felt by 62 motorists who were arrested by North West Public Safety Traffic Officers at roadblocks around Mafikeng and Mmabatho over the past weekend.
A prominent Mafikeng socialite was among the arrested suspects after he crashed his seven series BMW into a lamppost in the early hours of Sunday between 03h00 to 04h00 on the Dr Nelson Mandela Drive near Mmabatho Palms Resort.
Other suspects who are expected to appear at the Mmabatho Magistrate Court to answer to charges of drunken driving include a Mafikeng councillor and member of the mayoral committee, several senior public servants that include a state attorney, auditor, policemen and two taxi drivers.
The arrests brings to 123 the number of motorists arrested for drunken driving since the provincial department embarked on a province wide special operation two weeks ago to inculcate responsible driver behaviour in order to reduce fatalities on public roads.
North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa says that drunken driving operations are to be intensified as part of the Arrive Alive Campaign Operations. The campaign is aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities on public roads during the festive season.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Safety, North West Provincial Government
9 November 2009
