Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Pat Ngomane applauds law enforcers who brought to book 20 suspect for driving under the influence of alcohol in Nkangala Region over the weekend.
“Motorists who go behind the steering wheel while intoxicated are likely to become involved in deadly crashes and this endangers other people’s lives needlessly. Such dangerous individuals should not be allowed on our roads and once stopped, they should be harshly punished,” said MEC. Ngomane says.
He says the courts should punish them appropriately so that messages are sent out there about government’s intention to make road safer. The MEC believes that the more wrong doers are seen to be paying for their acts; more communities will also be encouraged to support government’s road safety efforts.
He has further called on the general public to report when they see tipsy drivers on the road and he has also pleaded with communities never to agree to be transported by drunk drivers but to rather report to the police.
On the other hand R40 Road between Marite and Bushbuckridge claimed three lives following a head on collision between a police bakkie and sedan last night around 17h00. Three of the male deceased where occupants in a sedan while another seriously injured person was transported to a nearby Mapulaneng Hospital.
The police who was driving the bakkie did not sustain any injuries. It is not clear as to what led to the crash but the police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. MEC Ngomane sends condolences to the deceased families.
MEC Ngomane says reckless and negligent driving cannot be tolerated, law enforcers should continue to show no mercy to motorists do not adhere to the rules of the road and endangering other lives on the road.
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Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 1577
Mobile: 084 411 3372
E-mail: mmmusi@mpg.gov.za