Mpumalanga records a reduction in road fatalities during the festive season
The MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, said visibility of law enforcement contributed towards the reduction.
The increased co-operation and adherence to the rules by most motorists and intensified law enforcement operations are some of the reasons why Mpumalanga Province recorded a reduction in fatalities during the festive season.
The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, said although there were fewer fatalities and crashes, the number of people who died on the roads is still too high.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga’s festive season road fatalities drop by 23.8%
“The department, together with its stakeholders, will continue to improve road safety strategies and the increased law enforcement visibility has contributed towards improving the situation,” he said.
Shongwe lauded law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly during the holiday season.
“The hard-working law enforcement officers need to continue with the same vigour, even beyond the holiday season. I would like to also send my appreciation to all stakeholders, including the media, for their participation in government’s road safety initiatives.”
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga DA: Shooting and killing of councillors must stop
He said law enforcement must continue to show no mercy to any errant driver behaviour so that more lives are saved on the road.
“We also appreciated the motorists who behaved well because if it were not for them the situation could have been worse.
“We want every person to become active agents of road safety, by not only using the road safely, but by also reporting any bad driver behaviour,” Shongwe added.
Shongwe sends his heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones during the festive season and wish those who may still be in various hospitals a speedy recovery.
