Fix your trucks or else they will be impounded and scrapped from the road forever.
This was the final warning given by Johannesburg Metro Police Department to four rubble removal companies whose trucks were released back to them with strict warning for them to be fixed and only tested by the provincial and Marlboro testing stations to confirm their roadworthiness. The four trucks were last impounded by Marlboro Metro police for illegal dumping in Setswetla informal settlement as reported by this paper’s Moving coffins on 22 August. This after previously being impounded for similar transgressions. The trucks were also found to be operating in a defective state, but with dubious roadworthiness certificates. The police are still investigating where and how they obtained these certificates.
Their defects included worn out tyres, poor brakes, poor steering and suspension systems, missing rear view mirrors, torn seats, lack of registration certificates and defective doors.
Superintendent Ignus Jona of the Marlboro Metro police said the final warning is from the province after the trucks had been hauled to the provincial pound for determination. He said the owners risked being out of business if they don’t heed the instruction which he said were issued to protect the motoring public from these moving coffins. “The owners were informed of this risk in previous impounds. This final warning also applies to their other trucks if found to be on the road in similar defective conditions,” he said.
When the trucks were last impounded, Superintendent Jona said they were heavily laden with rubble from elsewhere for dumping in Alexandra without regard for the health of residents. He warned other companies to ensure their vehicles are in order before embarking in the rubble dumping business and they should only dump at designated places.
Also, he stressed that the blitz on illegal dumping started months ago and has curbed the activity in Setswetla through the public tipping off the police. He said they were now focusing on eradicating it in the Marlboro south area. Jona requested the public to continue alerting the Metro police whenever they see any trucks attempting to dump illegally.
Details: Marlboro Metro Police Station; 011 321 6349.
