Two R40 speed cameras outside White River neatly removed

Two speed cameras on the R40 to Rocky Drift have once again been targeted by vandals. This time they were removed, but the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) would not disclose when this was discovered.

The cameras were installed by the DCSSL in 2018 to force motorists using the road to slow down due to the high number of accidents occurring at the time.

However, following the installation, they were set on fire twice by unknown perpetrators. The DCSSL replaced the burnt cameras, and up until the recent incident, they had been operating.

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The perpetrators are unknown. They executed the removal so well that there were no signs of damage to the stands and the cables were still intact.

The DCSSL’s spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, confirmed that the cameras were removed, but did not divulge any more information. “We are going to give a comprehensive report regarding why these two cameras were removed. For now, we urge motorists to continue driving with caution in that area. Only the cameras were removed, but the rules of the road were not. Our traffic officials will be monitoring the area to make sure that motorists adhere to the rules of the road,” Mmusi said.

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He warned motorists that the area is a high-accident zone and they need to be mindful when using it.

Some motorists are calling on the department to return the cameras, especially in the southbound direction towards Mbombela. Before the cameras were removed, most of the motorists were slowing down and no accidents were reported. “Soon, we will expect a lot of accidents, because people will not be forced to slow down. Previously, we had a lot of horrifying accidents that claimed lives, and with the current situation, we are expecting more, especially when the schools reopen,” they said