The executive mayor of the City of Mbombela, Cllr Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, officially handed over 35 public safety vehicles to law enforcement officials at the Mbombela Stadium on December 13.

This was part of launch of the Road Safety Programme for the festive period in Mbombela. Makushe-Mazibuko said the City has a total of 102 traffic officers and only had 21 vehicles.

“Today we give them 15 additional sedans and a bakkie. The law enforcement unit had 28 law enforcement officers with five vehicles. Today they get additional two. We are also pleased to announce that other service delivery departments will also be receiving an additional fleet as we promised during our State of the City Address earlier this year. In total, we are giving our employees an additional 35 vehicles, 15 sedans and 20 bakkies, to execute their duties going forward,” she explained.

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During the handover she addressed the officials. “As I release you to go out there and represent us well, I do so with pride. I must hasten to indicate that it is work in progress, it is not enough. The city is a growth point of the province and a gateway to the region, it needs adequate resources to respond to situations. It also serves as a link to the neighbouring countries of Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini. An increase in traffic volumes on the national route (N4) and other arterial roads, the R40 and R38, is expected over the next few weeks of the festive season, from December 14 to January 15, 2024, necessitating adequate planning to prevent accidents and to respond promptly to emergency situations,” she said.

According to Makushe-Mazibuko the City has developed a plan to reduce road fatalities and crime associated with drunken driving, speeding and lawlessness over the festive season and beyond.

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“Our men and women in uniform are geared up to respond swiftly to any emergency and proactively identify hazardous situations in the City. This plan would not have been realised without the commitment of all the law enforcement agencies’ dedication towards this challenging environment. Collectively, we will be visible to ensure that our citizens and tourists are safe. Transgressors are forewarned that this time around we are better equipped and more than ready to pounce. We will be able to test the alcohol content in your blood and effect arrests on the spot,” she explained.