13 drunk drivers arrested in Barberton in one night
22 August 2012
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe praises traffic officers for arresting 13 drunk drivers in Barberton on Friday night August 17, 2012 in a road block.
The road block was part of the operation of the Overall Friday Campaign which is aimed at reducing crime and road accidents in the province. Activities include road blocks, stop and search and raiding of taverns.
The South African Police Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services and Community Police Forum (CPF) were part of the operation.
During the road block, 217 vehicles were stopped and searched and four notices to discontinue sedans were issued.
37 cases were recorded for worn out tyres, driving without permit, overloading, driving without driving licenses and other violations.
The operation further succeeded when four arrests were made for fraud, possession of dagga, handling of firearm under the influence of alcohol, and assault.
Meanwhile, on 20 and 21 August only, the Traffic Intervention Unit discontinued 39 vehicles including taxis, sedans and Light Delivery Vehicles (LDV’s) in White River and Nelspruit.
Eight notices were also issued to motorists for non- roadworthy vehicles.
Shongwe says that these operations will be the order of the day to ensure a crime free and safe province.
He calls for community members not to turn a blind eye when crime or corruption happens or when they experience reckless driving, but to report it to law enforcers.
“We need to work harder to eliminate the scourge of crime and road carnage in order to restore communities’ faith in law enforcement agencies. We cannot succeed on our own; we need communities to work with us by among others reporting bad drivers and the perpetrators of crime.
“These perpetrators are community members, we live with them and they are known, so community members must help while we strive to build a safe and crime free environment,” concluded Shongwe.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison
