According to traffic regulation laws, it is a traffic violation for a vehicle to be driven without the display of registration plates. It is alleged that most of these motorists remove the plates so that they can escape speed cameras.
MEC Ngomane said that the trend has now become habitual to many and it is a sign that these motorists do not respect the rules of the road; therefore must be put to an end immediately.
He was speaking during a Strategic Planning Session of the Department where the senior management of the department with senior management of all entities within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster sit to discuss crime prevention and road safety plans. The meeting was held yesterday at Casambo Guest Lodge in Mbombela.
MEC Ngomane said that the Traffic Intervention Unit (TIU) must be revived and supported to operate effectively for the purpose it was established for. He wants the TIU to coordinate special operations that will deal with unauthorized usage of identification lights by motorists.
“We have been very lenient towards these people, and they think they can do as they please forgetting that this country has laws that need to be adhered to. It is our mission to ensure that our people are and feel safe, therefore we need to harshly deal with all those who disregard the laws,” he said.
In addition, the MEC reemphasized the importance of police visibility. He said that the department must urgently find an easy formula to increase the visibility of traffic officers in particular at night. According to Ngomane, most crashes occur at night and they are mostly caused by drunk driving.
“The 24-hour shift concept must be implemented because we all know that crashes take place when people think that traffic officers are sleeping. We must also close all the taverns that do not comply with the law.
“I want to assure you that I will forever be on the field; my work is not in the office but out there where there are law breakers. We will work day and night with the traffic officers and the police to educate our people and arrest all those who bring instability in our province,” he added.
The MEC further called on the department to always involve young people on road safety initiatives. He said that the department must segment young people who already have driving licenses and camp with them to discuss the role and contribution in road carnage. According to him, this will automatically propel them into action in a quest to be among those who are road safety conscious.
The MEC also made a call to the SAPS Provincial Commissioner to recall members who were part of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) deployed in other sections as the unit made a huge impact in dealing with crime in the province.
According to him, the TRT has a capacity to handle situations perceived to be beyond those managed through normal policing, hence they can hugely contribute in dealing with the scourge of crime.
“We must also prioritize the issue of activating the Community Police Forums, street committees and also activate neighborhood watch, which is commonly practised in most suburban areas and implement them in townships and rural areas.
“Communities play a big role in crime combating; therefore it is important that we put them on top of the list as our stakeholders. As a new MEC, I am not coming here to start new things, the former MEC has already left a strong foundation and let us move towards building and enhancing what has already been established,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga SAPS Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma emphasized the importance of integrated approach involving communities and all stakeholders in the fight against crime.
He added that the police alone cannot win the fight against crime as there are limited resources including human resource.
“We are doing our level best in closing the gap within human resource. The filling of vacant posts and adding the force levels are among the priorities we are planning to address to enhance policing,” he said.
