MEC urges holidaygoers to be responsible on roads

Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe has pleaded with motorists to be more responsible this festive season in order to avoid injuries and fatalities on the roads.

Shongwe’s comments follow the arrest of 124 people who were found to be on the wrong side of the law during the first week of December. Traffic officers have received an instruction from him to ensure that all wrongdoers are brought to book as traffic volumes are expected to increase.

Among the drivers arrested was a man aged 60 years, who was caught driving his Mini Cooper at 180km per hour on a 120km per hour zone on the N3 Toll Road in Grootvlei on December 4.

The suspect was released on R1 000 bail following his appearance in Grootvlei Magistrate’s Court on December 5.

As part of improving road safety, officials have impounded 352 vehicles and discontinued 225 which included buses and light motor vehicles. The total number stopped and checked during the indicated period is 48 927.

He said that there is no room for negligent driving on the roads and that he would never support dishonest traffic officers in the event of accepting bribes.

Shongwe has further urged community members and other road users to assist government by reporting any bad driving or corruption so that appropriate steps are taken against the perpetrators.

He has called on Justice Crime Prevention and Security to ensure that those who are found on the wrong side of law, receive maximum permissible sentences so that irresponsible driving is dealt with.