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Law enforcement appeals for caution on roads this safer festive period

TMPD Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba says motorists should be on the lookout for the alcohol evidence buses that help to detect drunk drivers.

December 16, 2024
Trott Chaane 4 minutes read
Police agencies ensuring routes are safe. Photo: Gauteng Department of Community Safety/Facebook.

Tshwane law enforcement authorities have appealed to all road users in the metro to exercise caution so as to decrease in accidents and fatalities during the current festive period.

According to the Gauteng department of community safety heavy traffic flows are expected on the following major routes as holidaymakers will be traveling in and out of the province:

• N1: Pretoria to Polokwane
• N4: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
• N4: Pretoria to Rustenburg
• R573: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
• N12: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
• N3: Johannesburg to Durban
• N1: Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
• N12: Johannesburg to Potchefstroom

They advised for motorists to ensure safety and compliance on the road.

Metro Police Department (TMPD) Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said residents should be on the lookout for the mobile alcohol testing station in Tshwane.
He vowed that no one spotting it at roadblocks or other operations would be able to bypass it.

Mahamba further urged motorists to observe basic road rules this festive period.

“Do not speed and use a cell phone while driving. Don’t drink and drive and be aware of other road users.

“Keep a safe following distance, don’t use your energy on activities that will increase your fatigue. Don’t travel when you are emotional or stressed out and most importantly, make sure that your car is roadworthy,” said Mahamba.

Pretoria North police already apprehended six drunk drivers during a recent operation.

According to Pretoria North SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Tumishang Moloto, the suspects were arrested during a stop and search after they were found driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We are calling on all customers and local residents visiting the shopping malls to ensure they are vigilant at all times and we urge and encourage the community to avoid falling victim to crime.

“Remove valuable items such as laptops, electronic devices, and bags in the vicinity of your vehicle that could attract criminals,” said Moloto.

He said residents must also ensure all windows and doors are properly closed by physically checking them.

“Buy items or products inside the store, avoid giving unknown people money to buy items at the cheaper price. Be aware of scams.”

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious and criminal activities to the local police station on the Client Service Centre on 071 675 6319.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has also called on motorists, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians to work together to reduce accidents on the road.

This follows the launch of this year’s national road safety campaign themed “Every day without a Road Death – South Africa 2024”.

Diale-Tlabela said the launch primarily makes driver behaviour the focus of this year’s road safety campaign.

The campaign strategy is based on four pillars:

-Responsible driving.

-Pedestrian safety.

-Enforcement.

-Education.

“As we enter the 2024 festive season, the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport wishes to remind all public transport operators, commuters and all road users to play their part by being safe, considerate and exercising caution while on the roads,” pleaded Diale-Tlabela.

Diale-Tlabela reminded all who will be traveling: “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. This is so given the high number of accidents and fatalities recorded in our province, especially during this high peak season”.

She further appealed to all road users – drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians – for mutual respect and strict adherence to all warnings, rules and regulations.

“We condemn acts of violence across all modes of public transport, further discouraging protests, strikes, shutdowns or any action that will result in disruption of services that has a potential to adversely affecting operators and commuters during this period.”

She added that the department was in constant engagement with public transport stakeholders with the intention of finding lasting solutions to challenges facing the sector.

“This is a sincere call for a peaceful festive season as the department and stakeholders continue with engagements, collaborating and working to find lasting solutions to protect, grow, and improve public transport in Gauteng.”

Diale-Tlabela cautioned that traffic and law enforcement officials will be out in force throughout the province to ensure reckless and drunk driving is dealt with, and that culprits face the full might of the law.

She also urged road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy – that brakes, lights, tyres, and windscreen wipers, among others, are in good condition.

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December 16, 2024
Trott Chaane 4 minutes read

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