This was a stern warning by the MEC for public works, roads and transport, Gillion Mashego.

“This festive season, we have upscaled our operations in collaboration with various stakeholders to curb the carnage on our roads. “Speeding, overloading, unroadworthy vehicles and driving under the influence of intoxicating substances are among the highest contributing factors. Tightening our laws and regulations is not enough. Until there is repentance of attitude, this behaviour will only get worse.

“There is another pandemic that continues to terrorise our society, leaving a trail of socioeconomic destruction on its path.

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According to the World Health Organisation, road accidents are the eighth leading cause of death worldwide. “Over 1,35 million people perish on the road on an annual basis across the world and 50 million suffer injuries. South Africa has joined the top-10 countries that collectively account for 62 per cent of the total global road fatalities,” said Mashego. He was addressing members of the media on Thursday during a breakfast session with different media houses in the province.

Mashego said many people, especially motorists tend to forget the rules of the road during this time of the year. “This must stop. Our traffic officials will be scattered all over the province, enforcing the law and I can assure you, they will arrest anyone on the wrong side of the law. We have been fortunate to receive 20 additional new vehicles from the department of transport through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

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“Hopefully, these vehicles will maximise  our visibility on the road. Public transport operators who are tempted to take chances will face the full might of the law,” continued Mashego. He stressed that bribery will not be tolerated and they will not hesitate to take action against officials and motorists found to have contravened this law.

“Equally so, fighting corruption is on the top of our agenda. Bribery will not be tolerated. Such behaviour compromises our efforts to curb road accidents.”

He said they will also monitor taxi ranks and bus terminuses to enforce the applicable Covid-19 regulations in public transport. Mashego commended the media for the manner in which they have been reporting and keeping the nation updated on Covid-19 issues.

“Allow me once again to convey my sincere gratitude for your continuous support in keeping our people informed, especially during this difficult period. Without the media, our efforts as government to fight this pandemic would be in vain,” he said.