Scores of ‘drunk and speeding’ motorists arrested during weekend operations

LIMPOPO – The province has seen an increase in weekend road fatalities since Lockdown Level 1 was declared. 

During her visit to the Groblersbrug Port of Entry this past week, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya deployed more officers on the roads to increase visibility as a way of reducing fatal accidents. This effort has yielded positive results:

According to the department’s Media Liaison Officer, Mike Maringa, scores of motorists who were found transgressing traffic rules on Limpopo roads have been arrested. These transgressions include driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and driving unroadworthy vehicles, he explained.

• 57 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence;

• 78 drivers were charged for speeding;

• two vehicles were impounded;

• 11 vehicles were discontinued and;

• 243 summons were issued.

Maringa added that the deployment of extra officers on provincial roads resulted in a reduction in crashes. The province recorded only nine fatalities between Friday and Sunday afternoon. One of which happened in Lephalale on Saturday morning, where four people died and seven were injured.

He however noted that the possible causes of these incidents were speeding, reckless and negligent driving.

“The amount of motorists who still disregard the rules of the road and drive under the influence of alcohol is concerning. The goal of the department is zero fatalities over weekends and MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya is once again calling on road users to drive with caution and to adhere to the rules of the road.”