Zero tolerance for unroadworthy vehicles

MALALANE – Despite the provincial government’s efforts to ensure road safety, motorists are still caught on the wrong side of the law.

Yesterday Malalane traffic officers stopped three trucks with car registrations from the North West. Officer Mr Lucky Magagula said when the vehicles pulled over, the first thing we noticed were the tyres that are in a bad condition.”The vehicles are not roadworthy and the worst part is one of the trucks and trailer license disks is invalid and belongs to a motorbike that expired in January.”

Magagula also revealed that the owner of the trucks offered a bribe.” One of the drivers, a Zimbabwean national, called his employer to report on his vehicles being impounded. “I spoke to him on the phone and he asked how much he should give me to release his drivers. I set the record straight right away that I am an official who abides by the law,” explained Magagula.

MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe expressed his disappointment with motorists not complying on the roads, but sternly gave a warning of his department not holding back. “We are working very hard to reduce road carnage in Mpumalanga yet it seems we are working 10 steps back. Traffic officers have zero tolerance for unroadworthy vehicles because they kill people,” said Shongwe.

Shongwe also commended the Nkomazi Traffic Department for its contribution in ensuring road safety.