Roadblocks in Nkomazi still 100 per cent legal
fter Corridor Gazette recently reported on the alleged illegal roadblocks in Nkomazi, especially in this area, Mr Cyril Ripinga, communications liaison and spokesman for the Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM), explained the situation.
MALALANE – According to him, the roadblocks held by the Malalane SAPS are 100 per cent legal as NLM is in possession of the relevant official documents granting them the right to do so. Ripinga provided copies of these documents.
He said that this permission has to be obtained annually from the director of Public Prosecutions in Pretoria in order to use cameras to trap speeding motorists. When such permission has lapsed, the department is allowed a 30-day grace period and local operations stopped on April 30.
This allows cameras to be used two hours per day, while visible law enforcement without a camera should be done 75 per cent of a daily eight-hour shift.
However, the law is still enforced during this time with regard to all other violations.
Camera equipment should be checked every seven days and the results recorded.
In an official letter from the office of the National Prosecution Service, the deputy director of Public Prosecutions for North Gauteng, Adv GD Baloyi, made it very clear that prosecution by camera as a source of revenue is not allowed and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The approval for the use of this camera may then be revoked.
Ripinga made it clear that the NLM traffic officers or the local SAPS have never arrested anyone who had outstanding speed fines.
He was adamant that every time these officers stop someone with unpaid fines for speeding violations, the officers are able to show the driver an original copy, signed by the driver in his own hand. These documents clearly show the vehicle in question and all that is requested of a driver is to provide his details which are written into a hardcover book.
He also says that it is very difficult to track Mozambican and Swaziland citizens to their own countries.
The drivers are also allowed to pay the fine on the spot, or make an alternative arrangement.
According to him, the NLM has no jurisdiction over the actions of the Provincial Traffic Department’s roadblocks and cannot be held responsible for their actions.
An email has been re-sent to the relevant provincial authorities, but at the time of going to print, no feedback had been received.
