This was according to Metro police department, which has asked motorists to bear with officials during law enforcement activities such as roadblocks which are used as a method of fighting crime.
“This law enforcement is not done for the benefit of police but for the safety of the public,” said Metro police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane.
Mamonyane said enforcement activities on the roads identified unroadworthy vehicles, vehicle overloading and impaired drivers, but also unearthed criminal elements including hijacked vehicles, stolen goods, drugs, illegal firearms and ‘most wanted criminals – offenders who had been evading arrest.
According to Mamonyane, in some instances the owners of hijacked vehicles were found tied and bundled into the vehicle after the perpetrators dumped the vehicles at roadblocks and attempted to flee’, while in others, some of those in possession of illegal firearms were found to be en route to commit crimes.
Enforcement activities on the roads also resulted in increased police visibility, which played a role in impacting driver behaviour.
However, she said, often drivers tend to curb their behaviour on the stretch of road where they knew police were present, and reverted to poor behaviour once they had passed officials.
More roadblocks would be set up as the festive season approached as there tends to be a spike in road infringements due to high traffic volumes and motorists rushing to get to their destinations, as well as an increase in robberies, hijacking and other crimes during this period, she said.
“It is that time of the year where there will be more roadblocks and greater police visibility. Generally, people get annoyed but they shouldn’t, because these activities contribute to crime-fighting and ensure their safety,” Mamonyane said.
