THE Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, has expressed grave concern at the increasing non-compliance with transport regulations and directions aimed at reinforcing the nation-wide lockdown announced by President Ramaphosa.
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At the start of the second week of the lockdown, the number of cars stopped and checked at roadblocks across the country increased from 17,559 on Monday to 29,738 on Wednesday, e-hailing providers that failed to adhere to passenger limits for a vehicle licensed to carry four passengers increased from 32 on Monday and peaked at 509 on Wednesday, minibus-taxis that failed adhere to the passenger limit increased from 18 on Monday to 509 on Wednesday and attempts by motorists to cross provincial boundaries despite a ban on inter-provincial travel increased from 125 on Monday to 196 on Wednesday.
“This conduct demonstrates a worrying trend which must be roundly condemned by both government and civil society. Those who undermine efforts to arrest the spread of this pandemic must face the full might of the law and equally face condemnation by society, as their behaviour places the lives of millions at risk,” said Mbalula.
Despite this, Mbalula encourages the majority of citizens who continue to respect and comply with the lockdown regulations and directions to continue to do so and encourage others to follow suit. He further commended the sterling commitment of traffic law enforcement officers across the country in ensuring that South Africans stay home and further provide critical support to other law enforcement authorities.
Mbalula said industry bodies must play their part to reign in those who continue to demonstrate flagrant disregard of the law. He said law enforcement will be intensified and authorities will not hesitate to ensure that the full might of the law is brought to bear on those who continue to break it.
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