Law enforcers hit hard during launch of Transport Month

In less than two hours several fines were issued and a number of vehicles impounded or discontinued during the launch of October Transport Month held on the N1 outside Polokwane last Thursday.
Authorities were clear that no mercy would be shown towards traffic offenders and criminals in general as Transport Month serves as preparation for the coming Festive Season.
Among those attending the launch were Transport and Community Safety MEC Dickson Masemola, Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba, representatives of various taxi associations and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as well as spiritual leaders.
The launch started with a roadblock conducted by Police as well as provincial and municipal traffic officials.

In less than two hours 504 vehicles were stopped and screened, 19 fines were issued, three vehicles impounded, six truck discontinued and 14 drivers tested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Before congregates moved to the Polokwane weighbridge for the official programme, Bishop Joel Mathobela of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa blessed the road while he urged people to pray for the safety of motorists on the roads.
During his address Masemola warned that law enforcers will hit the ground in all districts of the province. “Things are not going to be easy, it is going to be robust but I am looking forward to continue serving the people of the province,” Masemola said.
He emphasised that the department consists of two components – traffic and safety. “Our work is underpinned by policing and we are going to have a lot of activities across the province by means of roadblocks, visiting testing stations and joint operations with the Police,” he said.
He warned that drunken driving, reckless and negligent driving as well as speeding will not be tolerated. “People do not have respect for the law – that is why it looks like there is no state. We cannot have a society where law is not at the order of the day. We recently lost a lot of lives on the province’s roads and the high number of fatalities does not put us in a good position compared to other provinces,” Masemola said. Ledwaba added to Masemola’s concern about reckless driving and said that motorists can expect to see law enforcers on all roads of the province. “Be assured that you will not reach your destination if you are at fault,” he warned.

Story/photos: RC Myburgh
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