The Gauteng Provincial Government has intensified its high-impact stop-and-search operations as part of its broader commitment to tackle criminality, lawlessness and strengthen compliance with traffic and other regulations.

The provincial government stated that the operations conducted by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) officers deployed across the province have continued to crack down on lawlessness on the roads. It added that these have delivered strong results through sustained high-intensity operations.

According to the provincial government, GTI officers issued 2 886 infringement notices between September 15 and 21, comprising over a thousand manual notices and 1 886 through the e-force electronic system. The provincial government said that these violations ranged from vehicle defects to serious licensing offences.

“During the week, the Inspectorate issued over sixty-five minibuses with discontinuation notices for being unroadworthy, immediately removing them from the road. A further hundred and eighty-four minibus drivers were found operating without valid driver’s licences,” said the provincial government.

It also said that both categories of offences directly compromise commuters’ and other road users’ safety, highlighting the need for continued vigilance. MEC Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has raised serious concerns about this dangerous development.

ALSO CHECK: Residents uplifted as Epilepsy SA Centre receives spiritual blessing

“We have noted this trend developing in recent years. I will be taking this up with leaders in the taxi industry to assist us in rooting out this practice. It is unacceptable and puts other road users in danger,” said the MEC.

According to the provincial government, the GTI’s weekly operations that have been running for several months form a critical part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to improve compliance and tackle lawlessness in the areas of public transport services and on the roads generally.

The provincial government stated, “The inspectorate’s presence and visibility on the roads are aimed at dealing with widespread non-compliant practices, whilst also deterring would-be offenders against road infrastructure vandalism and theft.”

The provincial government said that with a complement of ninety-six officers deployed strategically across Gauteng, the unit is proving its effectiveness.

It also said that by removing unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed, likely incompetent, drivers on the roads, the GTI is making a measurable impact towards a safer public transport system and road networks in the province.

ALSO CHECK: Springs Boys High debate team raises funds with community car wash ahead of nationals