New alcohol evidence centre opened in Dube
Between 2015 and 2017 South Africa has seen a downward trend in fatal car accidents in which an intoxicated driver was involved.
With the festive season approaching and the increasing rate of road accidents, South African Breweries (SAB) in partnership with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) opened a new Alcohol Evidence Centre (AEC) in Dube on October 28.
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The opening of the new AEC saw other seven Gauteng-based mobile AEC’s being handed over.
The centre and mobile units are fitted with the necessary equipment to accurately and efficiently determine the breath alcohol level of a person suspected of driving under the influence.
According to JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, the AECs were donated by SAB and will play a major role in the curbing of drinking and driving related accidents during this festive season in the area.
“The mobile centres will allow officers to conduct their job easier and seamlessly by making sure the process is faster and that the collected evidence is admissible in court.
“We appreciate the help SAB has put in by donating the centres and ensuring that we are able to save lives,” Fihla said.
He added that this is done to enable law enforcement authorities to effectively prosecute transgressors and to also ensure that the evidence is properly collected and is admissible in court.
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“The operational plan of the centres include conducting a breathalyser test and once the driver is over the legal drinking limit they will be brought to the AEC in Dube to get tested by a registered nurse either though drawing blood or the evidence breath alcoholic test. If the test comes back positive the suspect gets arrested for drinking and driving.”
Between 2015 and 2017 South Africa has seen a downward trend in fatal car accidents in which an intoxicated driver was involved.
According to statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation, there has been an overall percentage decrease in driver intoxication in fatal crashes over the last seven years.
Mdu Lokotfwako, SAB governance relations and stakeholder managed said SAB believes in growing their business responsibly and this is done by empowering the community which they operate in.
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“Through such initiatives, SAB believes in implementing various interventions to help decrease the number of road related fatalities in South Africa.
This is part of our Drive Sharp initiative which is aimed at working with law enforcement departments to bring transgressors to book.
“We therefore urge residents not to drink and drive, tavern owners not to sell to under aged and pregnant women.”
Thulani Khanyile, acting chief of the JMPD said the launch of the AECs is a huge milestone for them as they had two limited centres for all the regions and that the mobile units will save them time.
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“We are going to be working hand in hand with SAPS since everything will be done on site. This will reduce drinking and driving related deaths and make our communities better places.
He added that JMPD is sending a strong message against drinking and driving.
“Most deaths on the road are caused by drinking and driving and usually involve innocent people who lose their lives, motorists should avoid drinking and driving and arrive alive.”
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