‘Gauteng MEC must explain e-tag intimidation on N12’ – DA
The DA Gauteng's constituency head for Springs and Daveyton, Ashor Sarupen, is calling on Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to explain why provincial traffic officials and Sanral officials are demanding motorists produce e-tags on the province’s highways.
Sarupen said that, early in the week, he received a number of complaints from residents in his constituency, who were asked to show their e-tags at roadblocks on the N12 East, at the Atlas Road off-ramp.
“The roadblock was manned by Gauteng Traffic Police and Sanral vehicles, and motorists were reportedly questioned as to why they did not have e-tags,” he added.
On July 22, Michele Clarke asked the MEC to explain the presence of Sanral officials at roadblocks and was told that neither the agency nor its officials have any mandate at roadblocks and that they play only a supportive role by providing advanced technology.
“The MEC further added that only Gauteng Traffic Police could stop vehicles and conduct general law enforcement and denied any intimidation by Sanral or Gauteng Traffic Police to force motorists to buy e-tags,” said Sarupen.
“One does not commit an offence by not being in possession of an e-tag, and the MEC must explain why traffic officials are carrying out such tactics in conjunction with Sanral officials, when they have no mandate to do so.”
The DA will write to the MEC requesting an investigation into the conduct of Gauteng traffic officials at roadblocks.
They will follow up the matter with the department in committee, when the provincial legislature reopens later this month.
Have you been asked for an e-tag at roadblocks in Benoni?
If so, email the details of when and where you were stopped to zintlem@caxton.co.za
