MEC Shongwe assists officers discontinue
31 vehicles
Media Statement
14 November 2011
Law enforcement agencies in the province
demonstrated their no-nonsense approach
over the weekend in the KwaMhlanga area
by arresting undocumented foreign
nationals and the removal of
un-roadworthy vehicles.
Led by Mpumalanga Community Safety,
Security and Liaison MEC, Mr Vusi
Shongwe officers included the South
African Police Services, traffic
officers, Correctional Services
officials and SARS employee.
Stop and search operations were part of
the programme that started on Friday
where the team visited parolees under
supervision and raiding local taverns at
night.
Joint road block activities were
conducted on Saturday morning on the
Moloto Road, simultaneously handing over
of food parcels to victims of crime in
the area.
The main road block which started on
Saturday morning before a public
participation meeting (Imbizo) stopped a
large number of vehicles on the R573
Road.
This intensive operation discontinued at
least 31 vehicles and impounded three
vehicles including taxis because they
posed a risk to other road users.
179 notices were also issued by the
officers for various traffic violations
including worn out tyres and driving
without licenses.
MEC Shongwe said during the operation
that it is about time government act
harshly on people who are failing to
remove their vehicles which are not road
worthy from the roads.
He said that his traffic officers will
not waste time when they see an
un-roadworthy vehicle but will remove it
from the road before it causes
accidents.
“People who put other fellow citizens in
danger on the roads should be arrested
before it is too late. That is why the
department has changed its slogan from
Sivuth” Umlilo to Sekwanele Bopha, to
signify that if people disregard road
safety warnings and advices, they will
be arrested. It is irresponsible when
drivers continue transporting people
knowing that their vehicles are not in a
good condition, claiming that they
planned to repair them,” said Shongwe.
He added that arresting motorists with
un-roadworthy vehicles will encourage
drivers to check the condition of their
vehicles before driving them.
Meanwhile, at the public participation
meeting (Imbizo) the community of
Mandela Village near KwaMhlanga told the
MEC that they did not trust police
anymore because crime suspects are
released only after spending few days at
the police stations.
Shongwe explained to the community that
he had already spoken to the Department
of Justice and Constitutional
Development that they have to support
the police by making sure that all
criminals, especially those who
committed serious crimes, get maximum
sentences.
He however requested community members
to avail information to the police and
be present in court to give evidence for
the state to secure convictions.
Issued by Mpumalanga Community
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
|
