EMPD and mayor clamp down on drivers

The mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, joined the EMPD at a roadblock set up on Kingsway Road, recently, in response to community violence sparked by alleged gang crime.

Important role players listen to members of the Intervention Unit (SWAT) explain the dictates of their unit. They are (from left): Brig Ockert Bezuidenhout, Clr Vivienne Chauke (MMC for community safety), Clr Mzwandile Masina (executive mayor), Lieut-Gen Bafana Mahlabe (chief of police) and Lieut-Col Jonas Mokhele Matjiu (back).

Several individuals, purported to be “OVL” gang members, were rounded up during a special operation in Daveyton and Etwatwa, on Friday (October 28), and in the process seven suspects were apprehended for possession of drugs.

“In addition, one member of the community, who threatened to hunt down and shoot gang members, was admonished not to take that route as it would exacerbate the situation brewing in the areas,” said Lieut-Col Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesperson.

In an effort to ensure that a safe environment is created and the situation is normalised in the two areas, the EMPD conducted a roadblock on Kingsway Road, between Daveyton and the Lindelani informal settlement, aimed at crime prevention and road safety in the areas.

The road block was conducted between 6am and 10am on Saturday (October 29).

Besides the executive mayor, it was also supported by and a member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for community safety, Clr Vivienne Chauke.

They joined the chief of police, Lieut-Gen Bafana Mahlabe, and his deputy, Maj-Gen Goodman Mzolo.

“Backlashes have come from the community, who reacted by taking the law into their own hands against the violence related to the gangsterism that Daveyton and Etwatawa have experienced in recent weeks,” said Masina.

“This is wholly condemned, as it can only aggravate the problem.

“The city cares for its citizens and does not condone illegal land invasion – which has also caused its share of the problems in these areas – and both medium and long-term plans are afoot to greatly alleviate the current housing challenges and, thus, citizens are implored to exercise patience.”

Chauke promised to remove non-roadworthy vehicles from public roads, ensure that drinking and driving is seriously tackled, encouraged parents to ensure that kids are buckled up and drivers to practice considerate and defensive driving, to reduce incidents of avoidable road rage and accidents.

The MMC emphasised the importance of pedestrian safety as an area that needs urgent attention.

During the morning roadblock, 20 drivers were arrested for outstanding warrants for failing to pay traffic fines, two for excessive speeding and two for drinking and driving, while one suspected stolen vehicle was impounded.

Over and above this, more than 800 vehicles were stopped, 18 drivers were slapped with speeding fines, and 248 fines pertaining to documentation and defects were issued.