NLM appeals to motorists to drive with utmost care

MALALANE – Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) is appealing to motorists to exercise patience on the roads as they make their way back from holiday destinations, or to work. According to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesman, Mr Joseph Mabuza, 527 road accidents had been reported over the festive season, in which 96 people died and 285 were injured and hospitalised.

Since this past Sunday there has been an increase in the number of vehicles passing through the town via the N4. NLM spokesman, Mr Cyril Ripinga said they have increased the visibility of traffic law enforcement. “After January 1 the traffic volumes on the roads across the entire country increase. We as a municipality also experience a similar trend due to our popular tourist attractions, and also the fact that many were back home from the holidays. Now as some begin to make their way back to their places of work, we need to be there to monitor the roads to ensure that there is tolerance among all road users,” Ripinga said.

He added that the festive season was not entirely overshadowed by bad accident reports. “It was not a peaceful festive season as we may have wished it to have been, however, it was also not that bad. The roads were controlled and we are intensifying that control for the next few days when it will be busy. Our officers will be partnering with the provincial traffic officers to ensure road safety. Furthermore we ask motorists to play their role in ensuring they make it to their destinations safely,” he said.

On Sunday afternoon the Lebombo Border Post near Komatipoort was experiencing very busy but controlled traffic conditions.